The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 1929.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 August 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 1929.

AN HONOURABLE FULFILMENT. In a question addressed to the Prime Minister Mr F. Langstone (Waimarino) desired to know whether Sir Joseph Ward would reconsider the payment of New Zealand’s quota of £125,000 per annum for eight years in connection with the upkeep of the naval Singapore base, and whether he would transfer this money for the relief of unemployment within the Dominion. In reply, the Prime Minister stated that New Zealand had so far contributed £250,000 for the purpose; that the Government attached the greatest importance to the naval base at Singapore, and that it would not be willing to reconsider the contribution payable l>y New Zealand. The Prime Minister said he wished to take the opportunity of explaining the position to the House. The commitment made to contribute to the Singapore base was made by the previous Government. He supported it; but he merely wished to mention the fact that it was made by the previous Government which had entered into a contract with the Home Government. New Zealand was doing its part in connection with the maintenance of the base. The matter was a very important one because it was a subject of discussion at the moment. He had replied to the British Government some days ago expressing adherence to the arrangement entered

into. “We have over £1,000,000 worth of goods passing between the countries with which the arrangement was made,’ proceeded the Prime Minister. “We have an obligation to protect the goods and of the people in connection with that large sum that is passing backwards and forwards. We have a distinct obligation on our shoulders and we cannot pass it on to other countries.” The advisers of the British Admiralty, Sir Joseph said, had recommended the'establishment of the Singapore base and a former Home Government had entered into an obligation that the work should be carried out. It was now too late honourably to turn back on the undertaking that had been entered into. It was idle for anyone in New Zealand to say that the money should be saved and utilised for other purposes. It was an honourable obligation entered into in connection with the defence of this country and of the tracts of sea between New Zealand and the Old Country. There was no such thing as being able to break or turn back. He had replied to the British Government stating that New Zealand would stand by the arrangement. That was only what any Government would have done in the circumstances. A matter in which there is £100,000,000 at stake cannot be lightly thrown aside in.peace times. We have a certain obligation to protect the interests of the traders and we are doing that. If war should unhappily arise the Singapore base would be necessary to enable the British Admiralty to. carry on its affairs. The contract was entered into and there is no use beating the air about it now. Wo are standing by it and rightly so.