MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1929, Page 7

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

NATURAL NAVAL J3ASE. STRATEGIC VALUE OE TRUNK JANE. WELLINGTON, July 19. With the Marlborough Sounds as a natural naval base for the Dominion, and Blenheim as the central air port, the South Island main trunk railway would have an important strategic value, according to remarks made when the deputation from South Island Progress .Leagues waited upon the Prime •Minister to-day. The deputation urged construction of the railway gap between Wharanui and Parnassus.

Dealing with the strategic value of the line, the president of the Canterbury Progress League (Mr J. E. Strachan) said that the point would be considered briefly, not because it was not important, but because it was hoped that its importance would never have to be tested seriously. The strategic value of a railway line might be estimated in terms of—(a) its availability for the mobilisation and transport of troops nnd materials of war; (b) its relationship to a naval and air base. “The case'for Marlborough Sounds as the natural naval base tfor the Dominion, and for Blenheim as the central air port, is unassailable and will probably not be disputed,” continued Mr Strachan.- “However, the following considerations may be advanced: : — “For the naval base—(a) Practically unlimited accommodation for ships in a deep water, land-locked harbour with two entrances, which could be increaed to three; fb) Command of both coasts of both islands; (c) accessibility of the coalfields. “The case for Blenheim as the central air port—(a) It is the central point on the main north-south air route ;fb) it is the natural terminal for a future trans-Tasman air service; fc) it is the natural radiating point for subsidiary air services to all main towns of New Zealand.

“These natural advantages have already been demonstrated by flights accomplished by the Southern Cross and by local aviators. • But obviously the strategic possibilities of Pieton and Blenheim cannot be realised until the trunk railway systems of the South Island are completed to this base. “Moreover the gap"in the line is the weakest spot in New Zealand’s line of communication. In the event of war New Zealand would find itself in two parts, separated, not bv Cook Strait but by the line that separates Marlborough and Canterbury. South of that line pm; forces would be immobilised. “We may not have to develop a naval base in New Zealand, but no one seriously doubts that we must organise our air transport for defence mail and other services. The development of Blenheim as the natural central air port will be impossible without through railway communication.”