N.Z. NAVAL VOTE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1932, Page 6

N.Z. NAVAL VOTE

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE MOTION TO REDUCE LOST. WELLINGTON, November 17. In tne House, the naval defence vote provoked a discussion oil the subject of disarmament, Mr Carr pointing out that the estimate was £"WU,(X), compared with £394,045 last year. He asked whether this was in accordance with the declaration on the sub' ject' of disarmament, and he moved that the vote be reduoed to an amount equal to that of last year. He regretted that publiq opinion was not yet educated to the extent that it was possible to wipe out the naval defence • Vtiib; altogether. Mi- Coates said that Mr Carr’s motion was utterly unjust, and he hoped it would be withdrawn. When it was realised that the British taxpayer had to contribute something approximating 30s per head for naval defence, while the New Zealand taxpayer contributed only seven or eight shillings, it would be seen that this Doininion was doing iittle enough towards the protection of its trade routes. No nation had done more than Britain to carry out the declaration that it was necessary to reduce expenditure on naval defence. Continuing, Mr Coates pointed out that the increase in the vote this yoai was purely for the purpose of maintaining existing vessels. He felt sure there were many members of the Labour Party who wished to carry out the .undertaking with Britain in ve* spect to the maintenance of naval equipment. Mr. Cobbe declared that there had been a progressive reduction in New Zealand’s naval vote since 1929. He explained there was an increase of only £OOO this year compared with last year’s vote, whereas the credits in aid, totalling £51,000, had been deducted from last year’s estimate, while only £17,000 had been available this year. The sale of a large quantity *of oil to Australia, last year, had enabled the credits in aidvto reach the gum of £51,000. Mr Carr said that if he had the Minister’s assurance the votes were •being progressively reduced, he ivould be prepared to withdraw the motion. The motion was not pressed and was lost on the voices.

Replying to the question, Mr Cobbe •said that negotiations regarding the small arms contract were proceeding, and he hoped to be able to make an announcement shortly.