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Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1930, Page 4

It would appear that the Naval Conference is proceeding according to programme. Some newspaper folk are inclined to raisq alarm at intervals, but we may expect this is with the object of supplying their special papers with “news” suitable for scare headings. The proceedings nt the Guildhall are suggestive of the best qf good will and hopes of a happy issue may -still remain high. At the Conference, the three most important issues are the abolition of submarines, the retention or scrapping of battleships, and their size and life if retained, and the number and tonnage of cruisers. Difficulties are presented by the differing needs of the Powers. Great Britain, with an Empire resting on the sea, is in a different position from America, which is self-contained. France needs a navy mainly for coast defence and the safeguarding of her communications with her African possessions. Italy may wish for naval parity with France, but funds do not allow of this if France builds to any large extent. Therefore Italy might welcome a drastic reduction if applied to France as well as herself. Japan is mainly concerned with defence of her own islands and the safeguarding of her communications with the opposite coast. Each Power needs a different type of navy, and the difficulty will be to find a common basis for naval reduction. One great argument making for reduction is the increasing cost df battleships. Germany, however, has shown, as a contemporary points out, that cost and power are not solely dependent on tonnage. A small ship may cost proportionately more than a large one. Everything depends on the spirit in which the questions are approached, and there is good reason to hope that this spirit will be such that, in spite of differences, some tangible result will be achieved which will reduce for all the Powers concerned the burden of naval armaments without imperilling their security or vital interests. .