PATRIOTIC YACHTSMEN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 272, 22 April 1914, Page 7

PATRIOTIC YACHTSMEN.

OFFER TO ASSIST IN NAVAL DEFENCE. HONORARY TORPEDO CORPS. By Telegraph—Press Associatioß. Auckland, Yesterday. A deputation from the New Zealand Eoyal Yacht Squadron and the New Zealand Power Boat Association waited on

the Premier and urged the institution by the Government of a local naval reserve sehemo for yachtsmen and others willing to undergo regular training for coast defence. It was urged that the yachtsmen in Auckland and other ports would be able, in an emergency, to man torpedo boats at no expense to the Government. It was estimated that in Auck-

land five, hundred trained yachtsmen would willingly volunteer for service in such a corps. The Premier expressed appreciation of the patriotic spirit prompting the offer.

The coast defences must foe put in very much better condition than at present. He thought advantage, should be taken of the yachtsmen's offer and would recommend the scheme most strongly to the Dominion naval adviser when the latter arrived. He added that, although the time and place had not been fixed, it had been practically agreed that a conference should be held by the countries interested in the Pacific, not later than the beginning of next year.