“PREPARE FOR INVASION”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 779, 27 September 1929, Page 18

“PREPARE FOR INVASION”

NEW ANGLE IN TAUPO LINE PETITION USEFUL FOR DEFENCE Press Association WELLINGTON, Thursday. Taupo as a mobilising and training ground for defence purposes was the suggestion put forward to the commission hearing Mr. E. E. Vaile’s petition regarding the Taupo-Rotorua railway. Mr. E. Lane, continuing his evidence, contended that with railway access Taupo would constitute the finest defence centre in New Zealand. In reply to Mr. Makitanara, he said that danger to New Zealand at present was imminent, although the country was at peace today. Mr. Makitanara: Do you suggest that a foreign army is going to fight us in New Zealand. Mr. Lane: I do, and I think the Maori element is going to make some of the finest defences we have got, and we will muster them at Taupo and fight anybody. Mr. H. S. S. Kyle asked witness why he was suggesting a defence scheme. He hoped it was not to curry favour with the chairman, Colonel McDonald. Witness replied that he had accompanied Lord Roberts into Pretoria as the Melbourne “Herald’s” correspondent, and knew something of action and tactics. In reply to a further question whether the country would lend itself to group settlement, the witness said he was not prepared to give an opinion. He could not handle it himself, but he had four sons who would. At the conclusion of the evidence. Mr. Vaile again invited the committee to view the country. The chairman said he had already promised that the matter would be placed before the committee for their consideration before the verdict was given. The committee adjourned until Tuesday.