MINISTER S REPLY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20733, 17 February 1939, Page 8

MINISTER S REPLY

DOMINION’S DEFENCE HON. R. SEMPLE’S COMMENTS CONSTRUCTION OF AERODROMES (By Telegraph.—press Association) AUCKLAND, Friday In a statement issued to-day referring to remarks made at Hastings by Sir Andrew Russell, who was reported to have said that it was much more important to spend money on defence than on some public works such as the Waikatu over-bridge, the Hon. R. Semple, Minister of Public Works, replied that the Government was taking, and would continue to take the steps it considered necessary for the adequate defence of the Dominion. The over-bridge referred to was part of the Government’s road safety policy in which 250 of the most dangerous level crossings were being eliminated, the cost of the work mentioned being approximately £7BOO. Protecting People From Themselvea “Next to the Importance of protecting the country from foreign invasion is the protection of the people against themselves. We certainly could not allow the death and accident rate on our roads to continue otherwise it would be difficult to say which was the more insidious—war or the road hazzard. In the Great War New Zealand’s casualties were some 58.000 or about the same number as road casualties of the last 13 years. If we prevent our manhood from being killed or maimed on the highways and byways we will be in a better position to meet any foreign attack.” Expenditure on Aerodromes The minister said that the estimated expenditure, this financial year, for the construction of civil aerodromes was £200,000, for defence aerodromes £60,000, and approximately £170,000 would be spent on the latter next year. The expenditure on defence buildings and ground services this year amounted to £200,000. Reducing Road Aooldents The minister outlined what the present Government had accomplished In respect to defence. Aerodromes, with special reference to Ohakca and Whenuapai, neither of which had been commenced by the last Government, in addition to the Wigram and Ilobsonville air bases, had been brought up to modern standards. The Government also was doing much more than had ever been attempted in training men for the air and an aerodrome for training purposes was now being constructed at Blenheim. Emerg-, ency landing grounds had been constructed throughout the Dominion. Mr Semple said that Sir Andrew was ungenerous in belittling the Government for its policy of reducing road accidents. Since 1925 there had been 600 casualties at railway crossings resulting in over 200 deaths. “Those who attempt to get rid of this slaughter surely deserve to be called something better than fools, even by an officer of the rank of Sir Andrew,” added the minister.