N.Z. AND NAVAL DEFENCE.

Taihape Daily Times, 29 August 1919, Page 2

N.Z. AND NAVAL DEFENCE.

STATEMENT BY LORD JELLICOE. WELLINGTON, Aug_ 27. A deputation from the Navy League waitell on Lord Jellieoe and asked him fol‘ his advice On its present work and future operation in the Dominion. In the course of his 1-eply. Lord Jelliooe ‘said he believed that the patriotic naval spirit wllic-h was undoubtedly strong in the Dominion was due largely to the efforts of the New Zealand League. The most important part of the Leflgne.’s work was e»_luea~ tional, because what was I£‘v.llf=,"'~l? in school was apt to create impressioiis of a lasting nature. 011 the other hand, it was little use realising the value of Sea power unless it :e‘;‘.\llted in [,l-oducing power, Which‘ was attained by the expenditure of Dol‘-Ilds. shillings and pence. He was ini'ormed the New Zealand contribution per hc-ad was something like 8/8. It‘ New Zealand was going to take a_ share in the <le‘r‘ene«.= of the En‘-.pil-e. in future in p2‘npol‘7;ioll to her population and trade, he hoped the Dominion would find she was able to contribute no less than twenty shillings per head. which xvng likely to be the contribution asked of the population of the United Kingdom. “New Zealand’s contribution can be one of two sorts,” aded Lord Jellicoe. “either in money or in kind. If in kind, I imagine the sentiment of New Zealanders would move them to maintain and man a unit termed the""3\*ow Zealnnd unit. of the Royal Navy.” In reply to a. question, the Admiral said he did not think it necessary for New Zealand to establish a naval college at ;m~:<-slit. He also mentioned that it was e:~:s:~11tial that the League slionld be <-ntirl}' free from any suggestion of political bias.