CRUISERS NEEDED.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20257, 28 July 1937, Page 10

CRUISERS NEEDED.

GUARDING TRADE ROUTES. AIR FORGE AS ADJUNCT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The necessity that the British Navy has for adequate cruiser strength was stressed by Captain R. D. Oliver, R.N. in an address to members of the Wellington branch of the Navy League. The essential units of a navy, he said, were cruisers which controlled the trade routes. Their standard of strength and speed were determined only by the possible strength and speed which could be given to armed merchantmen. The number of cruisers at present in the British Navy was far below its requirement. The new naval treaty, however, ceased to limit the number of ships in the fleet and attempted only to limit the size. At last the British Navy was free to build the essential units of a fleet determined only by the necessities of defence. Wing-Commander, the Hon. R. A. 'Cochrane, Director of Air Defence, who also gave an address, said an efficient air force was necessary in New Zealand to work in conjunction with the Navy. There was no -difficulty in securing the equipment necessary to build up an efficient air force in New Zealand and the only thing required was I lie necessary personnel. He was satisfied that a suitable type of person was available in New Zealand-