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Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1924, Page 2

Tukrb is another aspect ol the ease upon which this world cruise may be Din! to have considerable bearing. The problem of Naval Defence, as it whole, is one that concerns the Dominions as vitally as it does ourselves. The btirr'eil of this defence lias hitherto fallen practically in its entirety, on this country. already crushed beneath an almost imsupportable joad of taxation. It is understood that seventeen new light cruisers are to he built at a total cost of about £29,7.10.009. This is well ; but even thus further equipped, it is doubtful whether the thousand British merchant vessels to he found on tho Pipit seas at one time on any given ih.y can he adequately protected, aby no means re-assuring reflection seeing; Dull little more is to be hoped tor in these days of economy, when the national safety is jeopardised in answer to the clamorous appeals of people who with an eye to the purse strings, are altogether blinded to all sense of patriotism That this fact is as clear to the I a epic of the Dominions as to ourselves Here can he little doubt, and whilst hesitating to suggest the method ol a.**istaliee towards which their attention eat la* best directed, let it suffice to say Drat apart from the provision of propi rly equipped strategic bases, co-ope-ra lion and co-ordination arc needed, and will doubtless he forthcoming in putting on u sound basis tho general scheme of national defence. In tin's connection it is noted with great satisfaction that the light cruiser Adelaide, of tV- Australian Navy. which is to join till.' special ei-uis-ing .-.quadion on its arrival in Ausiia--11:11; waters, will remain as a unit of the light cruiser section of the squadron on its journey Vo Lughind, and will remain in English waters for a time, lot training purposes. This is a stop towards.that mutual co-ordination witli-e-it which the efficiency of a fleet, for tin: common defence of the Umpire as a whole, must lie, necessarily, impaired.

I r is pleasing to see the practical use to which the .swimming baths are bcin,", put this season. Now that an independent water supply has been obtained there is greater facility for tho use of the. baths. Coupled with the fact that electric light has been installed tempcrarilv for night swimming, the baths have come greatly to the fore of late. 'Jhi.s is as it should he. Not only do those pn-rtioipnting in the water 1 relics derive ninth pleasure and healthy exercise, hut the onlookers obtain much pleasing entertainment in pleasant surroundings. The baths are proving of value to the young folk. (juito a. number of new beginners have learned to swim this season, and the pleasure am! exercise derived, apart from tho utility of the accomplishment, is of Loral value to the rising generation. Some very capable swimmers are beinjj brought out locally, and under present conditions prevailing, the difficulty ''ill soon he to find in Hokitika any number of youngsters who cannot swim. If the proposal to instal a tepid plant is agreed to, and given effect then the tie'll will he extremely well found in facilities for teaching the young io swim, and many of the seniors to participate in a very pleasurable and healthy exercise. The project deserves all possible support from all interested in the amenities of the town.