NAVAL BASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1923, Page 3

NAVAL BASE.

AUCKLAND AND PICTON CLAIMS WELLINGTON, July 19.

"The Government does not propose to go further in the matter of the establishment of a naval base at present, and it is not its intention to estaoli.sh a uaval base at Auckland.” This statement was made by (Mr Massey in reply to a question in the Hou.-e by .Mr flitling (Wairau), who asked if Pieton and Queen Charlotte Sound would receive consideration if it were nut the Government's intention to concentrate on a base at Auckland. The Prime Minister said that there were several good and sufficient reasons whv Auckland had been made practically the headquarters of the Chatham and Philomel, probably on account of the fact lliat Auckland is the nearest port to the islands of the Pacific, and also that there is a very suitable reserve at Devouport. which is used as a recreation ground for officers and men of the ships. The member for Wairau, in criticising this reply, drew an even inure definite one from the Minister of Defence. (Mr Girling said that he had asked whether the claims of Pieton and Queen Charlotte Sound would be considered. He did mil want to look at the matter from a parochial standpoint, at all .but he believed that. Wellington. being the capital of New Zealand, v.e should have a base somewhere near that city. Ho thought Pieton was eminontiy suitable for a submarine base, and be trusted that the Government would not forget the claims ol pieton and Queen Charlotte Sound when going further into the actit ites of a naval base. NORTH CAPE BEST. Sir Heaton Rhodes, Minister of Defence, said that lie was glad the subject had been raised, because lie wished to snv that lie did not think that Picton would he selected as a submarine base. He admitted that prior to tho war lx- was in favour of Pieton, and told the good people of that town that in his c lll init>ii as a private mcmbei Queen Clin riot to Sound would he a good place for a naval base. However, with greater knowledge' lie was of opinion that the base should not he in Cook SI rail at ail, nor Wellington, or even Auckland, but in North Auckland, perhaps Ihe Pay of Islands, and if there was a more suitable place north ol that point would be better to pul if nearer the* North Capo. "We tire not going In wait in the Sounds or anywhere else for enemy vessels to arrive',’’ s.'inlinued Sir Heaton Rhodes. "We will meet them before they arrive, and the most suitable base for operations of this character would lie the North Cape if there is a suitable harbour there.” Mr Wilforil : You arc telling them snniet king. Sir Heaton Rhodes replied that he could not tell an em-civ anything which a good tactician would mil realise, and an enemy luighi in any case think lie was making this statement to mislead them. There was good .'bolter in Queen Charlotte Sound, hut there was not likelv In l:c any important naval base in New Zealand, such as Singapore. because it involved a fortified harbour, dry docks and oil and coal supplies. The Prime .Minister bad been quite right in saying that Auckland was not suitable lor a naval base. It. was all light lor the Philomel. Clial-

-ui[ oij 1 pi sdii|s ipuus JiqiiiMs pun tuiiu peril! 1 it'll lim it n s.