The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JULY 22, 1933. BE PREPARED.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JULY 22, 1933. BE PREPARED.

Theme are signs that defence preparedness is not being neglected. Several of the Powers are increasing their strength, naval forces particularly receiving attention. Reading Home files tiiere is a constant urge that Great Britain should not neglect ail obvious duty in this matter but should pre» pare for possibilities, Doubtless now that the DWu'mamont Conference is ■.suspended, Britain's naval interests will be more act-hive than has been the case for some, time. Naval experts in the press have been roundly condemning Britain’s unpreparedness, but there are two sides to the question, ihe First Lord of the Admiralty has been to Malta to inspect the Mediterranean Fleet, and in a broadcast sent out a stirring complimentary message. The admiral said: “For the last ten clays I have seen you at work both ashore and afloat, and unless I had seen with my own eyes, I should not have thought it possible for ships, men and establishments to have reached such a high standard of efficiency. I hope that my visit wall help to carry out my desire to increase the efficiency and augment your comforts. The fortunes of our country throughout the centuries have arisen and fallen with the state of the British Navy. We to-day are the trustees of one of the most priceless traditions over enshrined in any service. From what I have seen, I -am confident that you fully realise, this, and arc determined to pass these shining tradition,-, o n to those who succeed you. not only undimmed but brighter than ever for having passed through your bands.” The personnel of the Navy has been always equal to occasions, and it i,s pleasing to know that standard is being maintained. The next desire will be to learn that the shins are equal, to necessities. All warfare 1 is changing, and speed is now most j essential with long range guns. So

far as navies are concerned they require also to resist aerial attacks, and where possible to .initiate them. This great change in methods and machinery gives a new impetus to naval work, but it may be gathered from the inspecting Admiral’s remarks (hat the officers and men are fully trained in the new systems necessary to adopt to meet the emergencies of the changing times. So far a,s the Pacific area as concerned, some disquiet is being expressed regarding Japan’s objectives, and there is unrest in Australia. Defence has been allowed to go very bare in the Commonwealth of late as a result of the financial stringency. But the needs of the times are being realised, and a forward move is now ruder way. Shortly the Australian and New Zealand ships will be working du consort in the effort to develop measures for sea do fo”co. Japan owing to taking up mandated territory has now drawn; very close to .Australia, but it would appear Japan will have a full hand 111 Manchnkuo for some time, •anj that must he well guarded or Hns'ia might make a move. Besides Japan is Ireuming more and move cunning in trade, and is a formidable rival La the chief nations now through the facilities for cheap production and the flooding of

oversea markets. However, the trend at Home and in the Dominions ie now to turn more attention to defence and the creation of a mobile force to he used in emergency. ' History suggests that Great Britain should he prepared, and it is well that that policy is being pursued.