NAVAL FORCE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1180, 4 December 1913, Page 4

NAVAL FORCE

GOVERNMENT'S POLICY. The Naval Defence Bill, which was read a first time in the House of Representatives on Friday last, was characterised by Sir Joseph Ward as one of the most important Bills the country has had before it for many years. “The Governor may raise,’’ says clause 3, “maintain and organise such permanent naval forces as he deems necessary.’’ This is the first step ever taken by this country towards the establishment of a New Zealand navy. The next clause states that the Governor may appoint and promote officers of the forces, and issue commissions to them, and may appoint an officer to command the whole or any portion of the forces. Voluntary enlistment is the method by which the forces are to be raised and maintained. Persons in any other part of the British dominions, it is proposed, may enlist, and members of the naval forces may be required to serve for training either within or beyond the limits of New Zealand- The Governor has power under the Bill to place any part of the forces on board any ship in the King s Navy for training. IN TIMJiS OF WAR. In times of war, the action of the New Zealand men will be governed by the following clauses: “1. Whenever war has been declared between Great Britain and any other country or countries, or whenever there is an outbreak of hostilities between Great Britain and any other country or countries, the ships, vessels, or boats acquired under this act for naval defence or for services auxiliary thereto and the New Zealand naval forces shall pass and Jemaiu under the control and be at the disposition of the Government of Great Britain until peace has been proclaimed or until hostilities have terminated, and all officers and men of the New Zealand naval forces shall for the time being become part of the King’s naval forces, and shall be subject to the laws, rules and regulations in force relating to officers and men of the King’s Navy.

“2. Whenever war between Great Britain and any other country or countries is imminent, or when in the opinion of the Governor it is expedient in the interests of Great Britain so to do, or upon the request oi the Government of Great Britain, the Governor may by proclamation declare that the ships, vessels or boats acquired under this Act for naval defence or for services auxiliary thereto, and the New Zealand naval forces shall pass and remain under the control and be at the disposition of the Government of Great Britain fur such time as he fixes by such proclamation, or tor such extended time as he may fix by a subsequent proclamation or proclamations, and all officers and men of the New Zealand naval forces shall during the time or extended time so fixed become part ot the King’s naval forces and shall be subject to the laws, rules and regulations in force relating to officers and men of the King’s Navy." TRANSFER OF MEN FROM SHIPS. The Bill also provides that the Governor shall have power to transfer either ships or men of the New Zealand forces to the King’s navy, or vice versa, the arrangement to be carried out under conditions drawn up by the Imperial and New Zealand Governments. ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE. In addition to the permanent naval forces, it is proposed to establish a New Zealand Royal Naval Reserve, consisting of men drafted thereto and of men who have served in the British Navy. When any member of the Naval Forces is killed while on active service, provision is to be made for his widow and family at the prescribed rates out ot the Consolidated Funds.