NAVAL ESTIMATES.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1923, Page 4

NAVAL ESTIMATES.

COMMODORE HOTHAM’S EX PC A X AT I OX. W ELLINGTON, Aug. Id. An explanation of items in the Dominion’s naval estimates for the current year is given by Commodore Hot--Imm. former Naval Adviser to the Government. A slight increase in the total is duo to small increases in personnel, advancements in rating, and augmentation of local reserve. Die estimates have been framed with the object of giving effect to views expressed hy the Admiralty ns to the lines which in their opinion Dominion naval policy should follow. These views are recapitulated. (1) Maintenance of the nucleus of a seagoing sf|itadron capable of expansion by light cruisers and ocean going submarines, flight expansion in personnl only is proposed, the recruiting policy being based on replacement of Ihe Chatham b.v an oil-burning light cruiser next year. These ships carry fur fewer stokers hut rather more seamen than cruisers of the Chatham class. During the past two years and a halt Inundations have been laid with a view. •1, thi' financial position of the Dominion improves, to gradual expansion of the sea-going squadron to the quota of three light cruisers with attendant oil 1 anker and a. unit of ocean-going stilsmarines.

(•>) Provision of oil reserves in the Dominion.--The Admiralty have emphasised the necessity for the provision of oil fuel reserves in the Dominion independent of commercial stocks before oil-burning cruisers are sent to the South Pacific. An item of £12,000 has. therefore, been placed on the estimates for the erecton of a dOl'H) ton oil tank at Devonpnrt. as Auckland was proved to he eminently suitable as a repairing and storing base for a small squadron. CD Assistance in equipping Empire naval liases.—An early start is to be made in the development- of the defences of Singapore at an eventual cost

of about L' IO.CIIO.OOO. Xew Zealand’s share of contribution towards this Imperial work should lie regarded as approximately £200,001), and if the sum can he provided during this ami the following year the Government will he clear of their commitment under this head hy the year 102 b, when it is hoped some expansion of the sea-going squadron maintained in these waters will he possible. When this takes place the annual maintenance charges will absorb the L’I(K).IMK) which ii i- suggested should he contributed annually during this and next lliianeial year I'm the equipment of Empire naval bases. Gl) Provision of bases, docks, depots, and reserves of stores and fuel in Xew Zealand for war vessels.—ltems have been placed on the estimates for improvement of the faeilite- of the existing base for repair work. etc., and of I’hilmnel and buildings attached thereto as a training and receiving depot. A further item of CdOll!) has been inserted with a view to relieving tile Imperial Government of the subsidy which they lune been paving continuously since lIIDB under the agreement, with the Auckland Harbour Board for the payment of tioil.PGU over a period of thirty year-. As regards reserves of fuel provision has been made for continuance of tin- policy of maintaining emergency stocks of coal at Auckland and at Suva, Fiji.

(J) Provision for local protect ion of trade and storage of gun- for nu-ivhaiil ships and their escorts, and providing trained personnel for them. During the lasi year provision was made for the storage of guns ,-is recommended, and a commencement was made with the recruitment and training of the necessary personnel by the- entry of reservists (men). It is proposed during the current tinaueial year to continue enrolment and training of reserve ratings and to commence the entry of ollii i.ts. Hi) Provision of mobile delence and mines-sv.eepiug organisation—All item of £.V»i!k> lias been placed i n the c.-ii-mate.s for the purchase- of guns lor a mobile local delence. I liis item should Is- emit iliitcd for tin- next ten years until lifty such guns have been ohi,•lined for l hi- pin ].: so. I'ntil larger members have been enrolled in the reserve if is not proposed to ask tor money lor the i omniem-cim nt of a miiic-stvci ping organi-atiun.