COST OF THE NAVY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 164, 20 October 1910, Page 5

COST OF THE NAVY

THE GOVERNMENT'S BOUNDEN DUTY. " THE FIRST NAVY IN THE WORLD." STATEMENT BY THE ADMIRALTY LORD. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Received 19, 9.55 p.m. London, October 19. Mr. Reginald McKenna, First Lord of the Admiralty, speaiking at Claenavon (Monmouthshire) said that with patience the Osborne problem would be solved, restoring the good that trade union representation had done, while respecting the conscience of political dissenters. ■ Replying to Labor criticisms on expenditure of the Navy, he declared: "Armaments are to the nation what levies and strike pay are to trade unions. If it is necessary to have instruments of war against our fellow-countrymen it is impossible to let our arms rust in dealing with foreigners. The Government gave a hold and sincere lead three years ago, tut they had been bound to change it in 1909, when the foreign programmes were bigger than ever. The Government are bound to secure the safety of the country and the Empire."

He recalled the fact that there had been a requisition for a hundred million loan signed by generals and admirals. The loan would be but a temporary expedient. Britain would have to maintain a Navy as the first in the world for all time. The first sign of decadence would be when the Navy was not paid for out of annual revenue and the country had to rely upon borrowed money.