NEW ZEALAND MAY MAKE ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12621, 4 December 1926, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND MAY MAKE ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION

Mr Coates expressed himself a« impressed with the Service demohstrations. He was disposed to think that tho army had demonstrated that a number of vehicles and machines could be' of practical use, not only militarily but civilly and commercially, particularly in overseas countries in connection with pioneering work. He expressed the opinion that the taxpayer was getting a most valuable asset, in the army's work, apart frofn defence. He agreed with Mr Bruce that it was very hard to separate the parts of the Empire, especially in case of dispute. Any dispute which affected one or two portions affected all. Ho asked if the burden of the construction of the necessary ships could not ho borne in greater proportion by the Dominions which did not consider themselves so vitally concerned. Singapore was on the basis of that principle,

It teemed important that offers of assistance from the Dominions and India should be made won, said Mr Coates. At present it was not practical politics for New Zealand to build cruisers, but she intended to continue her policy of developing her own division of the Royal Navy and maintaining modern and suitable cruisers. COMMENT IN LONDON (Received December 3, 8.15 p.m.) LONDON, December 3. Comment regarding the defence report is generally restrained and noncommittal. “The Times” snvs it is clear that no immediate help may be expected from : Australia, New Zealand or India towards the cost of Singapore base*