N.Z. NAVY LEAGUE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1928, Page 1

N.Z. NAVY LEAGUE

PROTESTS AGAINST CRUISER ECONOMY. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Feb. 22. Delegates from all parts of New Zealand attended the tenth annual Conference of the New Zealand Branches of the Navy League which was held today. The following remits were passed: “This Conference of the N.Z. Brunch of Navy League recognises that this is a time lor reasonable economy, and also a time when it is imprudent to urge or take any steps which could reasonably he taken as offensive measures, yet it urges upon the Government that neglect ol maritime interests would l:<* false economy, and that it is dangerous to neglect the provision of proper naval defence, including the proper protection of our trade routes.” “That this Conference desires to place on record its appreciation of the action taken by the Government during the past year in arranging for the extension of the Royal Naval Reserve to Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and the branches of the League at these centres will ho glad to render any assistance in their |>owor to forward the interests of the reserves.’’ “That this Conference urges, when the New Zealand Royal Naval Reserve Class A. is formed in the four main centres, that lads living in proximity to the main centres, as they become eligible for Territorial Cadet training, shall he given the option of undergoing sea training, as sea cadets, if they so wish.” “That this Conference supports the action of the Navy League in England, in protesting against a reduction of the Admiralty cruiser programme.” “That the Conference is of opinion that submarines should form an integral part of naval defence until such time ns all countries shall agree to abolish them.” “That the Navy League considers it essential that there should he in Now Zealand a naval air service, with Royal naval officers as observers and navigators.” “That the Government he approached with a view to its encouragement of aviation by the building of aerodromes and providing other facilities to foster commercial aviation and transport within the Dominion, a,rid also to ’encourage aeroplane clubs for young men.” “That the Navy League considers it necessary that as far as possible some form of vocational training or instruction, such as carpentering and engineering, or other work, should he given while lads are undergoing preliminary training at the N.Z. Royal Navy Depot in Auckland.’’ “That this Conference of the Navy League delegates suggests that the Government should set up a Committee representing the lower deck, the officers and the Navy League, with a view to advising men who retire from the Nnvv in New Zealand.”