The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, JUDY 26, 1927. NAVAL NECESSITIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, JUDY 26, 1927. NAVAL NECESSITIES.

Tin-: visit of representatives of the New Zealand organisation associated with the British Navy League to-day calls to mind the value and virtues of the British Navy to this far-flung outpost of the Empire, and the need there is for maintaining a healthy public opinion in regard to this country’s duty in assisting to maintain the Navy. The reason why is very obvious. It is a matter of self-preservation for the British Navy is the sure shield to our commerce and traffic generally across the high seas. The British Empire is set in the seven seas of the world, and the trade of the Empire is the greatest in the world. Great Britain is a very small country a'fter all, and as it were out of all proportion to its greatness and power. The greatness and power it has drawn from the Empire which it has founded overseas, and which it controls alone by its Navy. Great Britain traffics with the whole world, and ships never cease transport ‘ all parts of the world carrying produce and goods to maintain the life and activities of the Great Empire centre in the United Kingdom. The sea has become the source of Britain’s power, and those long leagues of ocean must he patrolled to maintain a secure highway for that commerce which is the national life blood. The naval necessities are thus a supreme part of the national organisation for protection and defeK.ec. There is a typical picture 9f the Briif'd’ bull-dog standing Tour

square on the. Union Jack, with a battleship as a. background. The legend t i the picture is: “What we have, wo hold!” and there is no doubt the Navy have ever shown the required tenacity in that direction. Reflecting for a moment on what the Navy is capable of doing, wo need only east the memory back to deeds done during the war. Wonderful feats of bravery were enacted for the common purpose of security. deeds as noble and as great as any which won our Empire. I lien again, in the hour ol alarm regarding ('hiua. we saw how ships Were speeded to tiie danger point, and the proiimt rescue of men and women ol all nationalities. This was aptlv marked by a scene in the House of 'Commons, "lien a Labour critic was traversing the policy of the British Government for ils overt act in rushing warships to China. The best and complete answer was the query of another Member of Parliament who asked the Labour critic if lie had a wife or daughter in the danger zone? The British Empire is something more than of moment to our own people and nation. The Empire is of moment also to many other nations who know and appreciate the value of tho liberty and freedom wliich is associated with Britain’s national policy. The Navy has greattraditions. Tt as earned a record for tolerance and genuine performance which are a pride to the Empire and go to make up the great prestige the country enjoys. It is something to keep that great force intact and purposeful to ensure the maintenance of peace. Britain was for long the mistress of the seas, and was not jealous where others sought to outstrip her. Her force is not for menace or attack, hut for protection and defence. It is th? great security of tho Empire, and it is of vital importance. As the nation grows; as its trade and production increases, the dependence of the Empire on its Navy and the sea. .becomes the greater. Britain can never let go her hold upon the sea for the lines of communication must he safeguarded, and this is possible only bv adequate strength and readiness. To all this it is well to cultivate a healthy public opinion, and our interest should not he passive only, ft should he positive and manifest. Tt is well to take ;Y personal interest in oilr own welfare. AVo derive our persona! security and our privileges in trading from the security given by the British Navy, and surely we' can afford to take more than a. passing interest. in any effort or work to extol our Xnv.v or make its worth and work better understood by those about us. i