THE SEAFARING SPIRIT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 54, 28 November 1918, Page 4

THE SEAFARING SPIRIT

ASSET TO THE NATION

The possibility of a submarine base being established oil the New Zealand coast, possibly in the Sounds, was mentioned by the Minister of Marine in the House of Representatives yesterday in answering a question by Mr. H. 1 G. Ell (Christchurch South) as to whether the Department would cncourage yachting and motor-boating in New Zealand waters. Mr. Ell said tlift yachtsmen bad beeu invaluable as volunteers in the British Navy, and therefore he urged the Minister to assist the sport, either by malting grants to the clubs or by creating small boat harbours. .. The Minister replied- that he thoroughly approved of the idea contained in the suggestion, but he did not think the Government should make indiscriminate grants. He felt that the matter should be considered thoroughly from a national viewpoint with the idea of creating boat harbours at available points around the coast. "I believe New Zealand is undoubtedly a maritime country, with huge possibilities," continued Mr; Wilford, "for the knowledge I have gained of the work of the boys of the Amokura has shown nle what can be done. We may require in tho future some submarine bases, anjl we may find that we have a submarine station, for instance, over at the Sounds." With the need for encouraging the seafaring spirit of the people be would be glad to consider further the question raised by Mr. Ell. Mr. Ell: Will you h.ave a report prepared ? The Minister replied that lie bad been going into the matter with his Departmental officers, but lie had not reached the stage of asking for a report.