The Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, NOVEM. 23, 1916. HON. JAMES ALLEN ON NAVAL DEFENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1641, 23 November 1916, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, NOVEM. 23, 1916. HON. JAMES ALLEN ON NAVAL DEFENCE.

DUKIXd lhe course of his address in ojieniii”- the annual conference of the Association of New Zealand Chambers of Comuieree at 'Wellington yesterday, Hie Hon.dames Allen made some in ten's line' remarks on the importance of the command of tlii‘ seas and naval defence. He said that it had been learned by practical experience what it meant for .Britain to have command of the sea, and the condition of things in New Zealand would he deplorable if it were not so. When the war was over the question of naval defence would have to be considered anew. He had had an opportunity when in London to discuss the subject with Admiralty officials. Some people might not agree with the scheme which had been formulated a scheme to eventually provide some men for the service. Some might not agree with the establishment of local units of an Imperial Navy, but he was in possession of.evidence from men who had at one lime been quite opposed to the idea, showing that their opinions had undergone a decided change. The deep interest which should be taken in the question could be nothing else but p local interest, as, unless there was a strong local interest, they could not gel out of (he people what the people ought to give. The navy of the future, Hr Allen went on to say, must be an Imperial Navy; it must; be .under one control, in whatever form that might be, and (he Dominion must take its share in providing men, and ultimately ships, Mr Allen, proceeding, referred to the gift of the battleship New Zealand, and said he was sure all were proud of what she had achieved. He also made reference to the important and difficult work accomplished by H.M.S. Philomel, the commander of which, and the men of which, he said, had done their duty well. He It oped they would get their due reward. He Avould urge on those present, as business men, as thinking men, to take seriously into consideration (he all-important question ol naval defence. The Imperial - avy of the future, he said in eon-* elusion, must command the seaways of the world. If it did not, the Eiupire would go down. Command of the seas was vitally necessary; of the utmost value. It was of mure value to the Empire than those

groat railways oonneoting her with neighbouring centres wore to Germany.