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Hokitika Guardian, 5 February 1924, Page 2

Tin; quest ion of the Singapore bu.se is going to lie a burning one with tbe present Government; at Home. Prior to the elections. Labour was opposed to tbe big dock scheme, and since the elections there have Icon various contradictory cablegrams as to what might or might not come to pass regarding tlie proposals. The building of the large dock as proposed at Singapore tor t’-e capital ships of the British Navy will be a verv costly undertaking, ami the economists use this as one of tbe arguments for their pronounced opposition. There is also the allegation that the action proposed is contrary to tile spirit of the Washington Conleremo. The responsible Ministers who will have to go into the details >d the Admiralty scheme will see the whole proposal from the. inside and will glean information that is not available lo ihc 1 t.hlic. Naval defence for the Empire -s too important a subject to be decided off-hand, Or without marine consideration. It is conceivable that the lad,or Cabinet "ill probe the matter very fully, and "ill include in the scope of the enquiry a review of opinions from overseas. I lie deleave of the Pacific. includes the safety of valuable B’iti.sh possessions, not excluding India. and no Government can allord to ignore its responsibilities in so vital a matter. That political affairs in the. pacific region are to some considerable extent unsettled, was evidenced the other day l>y the cabled news affecting tie attitude of America to Japanese

immigration, and the irritation being caused in Japan by the exclusive enactments. Britain is very friendly with both, great Dowers, hut it hostilities were to break out, tlie position would lo very difficult, for circumstances in var time ilevelope very rapidly. As it was. during the Great War, Britain and ill Empire at large were beholden to the Japanese Alliance for the security of the Pacific. The- British navy had to operate elsewhere, and it was Hie major ships of Japan which dominated these areas for the safety of British shipping. It is manifest therefore that the British Navy in the Pacific should lie well found and capable in every way. It will be the best form of insurance a'-ainst attack and disaster. One feels that the new Ministry will be well inlorined by the best experts of the true position, and that as sensible men charged with a grave responsibility will discharge the duty to the best possible advantage, assuring tlie stability of the Empire overseas, as no less important than the necessity for saleguarding the Home defence about tlie Motherland.