GERMANY’S GIBRALTER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1447, 16 September 1915, Page 4

GERMANY’S GIBRALTER.

THE ROMANCE OF HELIGO LAND.

“Germany's Glbraltcr” is the term applied to Heligoland, the triangular-shaped island which occupies so valuable a slralegical position iu the North Sea. Situated some twenty eight miles from the mainland, this fortifiecl island acts as an effective guardian ot the mouths of the rivers Elbe and Weser. and the German coast line generally. This island has had a chequered career. At one time it was an amusement centre, similar to the famous Coney Island of America. Cafes, dancing halls, and a museum were erected there, but now these buildings have been replaced by grim fortresses and armoured gun turrets. Since the Germans took over Heligoland in 1890 from the British iu exchange for Zanzibar, they have spent millions in transforming the island into a fortified base, for their naval experts soon recognised its value as a factor of defence. During the last twenty years six millions have been expended in

supplementing the natural fortifications of the island. The cliffs have been strengthened by great walls of cement, and the harbour there, intended for a base for torpedo craft, is one of the most highly fortified defences in the world. The surrender ot Heligoland to Germany by Lord Salisbury at the time of the famous bargain of the “ ’nineties” aroused much hostile comment among Britishers, and there is little doubt that this island has added a valuable link to the chain of fortresses which guard the Kaiser’s dominions. A new importance has recently been given Heligoland by the establishment there of a base for airships. It is possible to house five Zeppelins there and keep them supplied with gas.