CRUISER STRENGTH

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 314, 27 March 1928, Page 16

CRUISER STRENGTH

DOMINION’S INTERESTS NAVY LEAGUE MEETING YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED “In these Dominions overseas we are concerned about the reduction of the strength of the navy, especially of the cruiser strength,” said the president, Mr. John Alexander, at the annual meeting of the Navy League in the League Rooms last evening. Speaking further on the reduction of armaments the president said that it was disheartening to read current cablegrams regarding the naval budgets of other nations. Referring to the innovation in aerial warfare of a bomb which it- is claimed will render futile the employment of battleships in warfare, Mr. Alexander said: “When we see and read that the fleets of other nations are so well equipped with, seaplanes and seaplanecarriers, we urge on behalf of our seamen that some further steps should be taken to equip our vessels.” So far our shores did not possess any seaplane bases, and ships upon this station were not equipped with seaplanes. “The best way to ensure peace,” said the speaker, “is to be prepared for what may happen and not to tempt aggression by lack of an all-sufficient navy to defend our shores.” In his report the president outlined the year’s work. The membership had increased considerably during the year, and the finances were in a sound position. During .the year the activities of the RoyarNaval Reserve had been extended throughout New Zealand by direction of the Minister of Defence. The report of the ladies’ committee stated that the committee had agreed to care for the graves of sailors who are now to have a section allotted to

them at Waikumete Cemetery. During the year the committee had been largely increased. The past year had been one of much activity, stated the report of the girls’ branch, which went on to outline the work of the year. The finances were in a healthy state, and the year closed with a credit balance. Seventy-five new members had joined during the year, and the membership had now increased to over 400. The work of Mr. William Cook, the honorary secretary, was the subject of much favourable comment by members of the league. It is largely due to his efforts that an interesting quarterly magazine for junior members was started in July. Copies are being sent to over 700 schools in the Auckland district. Officers were elected as follows': President, Mr. John Alexander, C.M.G.; chairman, Mr. C. H. T. Palmer; hon. secretary, Mr. W. Cook; hon. treasurer, Mr. A. M. Seaman; hon. auditor, Mr. S. Leah; executive committee, Mesdames Cleland, E. A. Gallaugher, M. Ifwersen, A. Macky, Streater, A. V. Penn, Misses E. Brown, R. M. Herrold, Statham, E. G. Wallace, A. G. Watkins, Messrs. S. A. Burt, W. Cook, W. J. Crowther, H. T. Goldie, H. Keary, F. S. Little, J. L. Paterson, and Canon C. L. Tuke.