POISONOUS GAS

Hokitika Guardian, 16 September 1929, Page 7

POISONOUS GAS

DEFENCE MINISTER’S BELIEF,

WELLINGTON, September 10

Discussion of the Naval Defence estimates in the House to-night was interspersed with references to .'New Zealand’s control over naval policy, Labour speakers suggesting that the Dominion Parliament had no opportunity of revising Imperial Conference decisions, and was committed to them. This suggestion was flatly denied, by Mr Coates, Leader of the Opposition, who attended the last Imperial Coniference. He pointed out that no part of the Empire was committed by its representatives until the decisions had been ratified by the respective Parliaments. The Hon T. M. Wilford, Minister of Defence, was asked to explain why the Naval estimates showed an increase this year. • His answer was that this was more apparent than real. There would actually be an increase this year owing to the necessity to spend money on improvements at Callion o naval dock, making it more suitable for a larger class of commercial ves- j sel. This was an obligation to the Admiralty, which would credit the New Zealand Government with the expenditure against the cost of maintaining cruiseres in New Zealand waters. Answering Mr Savage, who was interested to know where the poison-gas supply of the Dominion was stored, Mr Wilford explained • that there were only small capsules used at Devonport for training purposes. CUTTING DOWN ON DEFENCE. “ I would like to see the Defence estimates cut down,” declared the Minister, having in mind some comment from the Labour benches. “And there is no question that the tendency of the world is towards peace, not war,” he added. “ Many people believe, and I do, too—though I might be laughed at—that discoveries in regard to poisonous gas are going to end war. If members could read the papers I got from the Home Government in regard to these discoveries, they will agree that gas will make countries hesitate or refuse to go to war.” As for Naval policy the Minister declared his belief that the present British 'Labour Government would stand up to Imperial interests as well as any other British-Government, and lie would be quite satisfied, if they said New .Zealand required to keep no cruisers for the defence of the Empire, to carry out their advice.