THE BRITISH NAVY

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 958, 29 April 1930, Page 9

THE BRITISH NAVY

IMPORTANCE IN NATIONAL LIFE NAVY LEAGUE'S MEETING “Air enthusiasts are apt to think that the Navy lias become obsolete, but that is not so, and it is at this juncture that co-operation should be established between the services,” said Mr. C. H. T. Palmer at the annual meeting: of the Auckland branch of the Navy League last evening-. Mr. Palmer went on to say that with all the peace discussions in the past few weeks it would have been undesirable for the league to issue a strong statement, but now he almost believed, with the French, that England has lost her naval supremacy. “It is the sea and not the air that Is England's protection, and human nature being what it is, it would be foolish to dispense with that protection,” he concluded. Mr. AX'. J. Connors said be also wished to stress the inexpediency of reducing our naval power as it was the safeguard of our merchant trade. Vast improvements woud have to take place before modern air craft could assume the position occupied by the Royal Navy. Mr. A. G. Lunn remarked that the naval conference was a great movement but he wasi inclined to think ’.hat the steps taken were a little too drastic. His sentiments #6ineided with those of Cromwell, “Trust in the Lord, but keep your powder dry.” Commander F, A. Hull gave a short address on the operations of the British Navy and its importance in national life. Lieutenant - Commander R. Nisbet spoke upon the British Navy in connection with protection of trade waters. The annual report was read and adopted. The election of officers resulted: Patron. Mr. -John Alexander, C.M.G.; president, Mr. A. G. Lunn: chairman, Mr. XV. J. Connors; hon. treasurer. Mr. S. Leah; hon. auditor, Mr. A. Seaman.