NEW NAVAL BARRACKS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1069, 5 September 1930, Page 16

NEW NAVAL BARRACKS

AUCKLAND BUILDINGS DELAYED LABORATORY COMPLETED THE SUE’S Parliamentary Reporter PARLIAMENT BLDGS., Thurs. Definite progress in the requisition of land for building the new naval barracks at Auckland is being made, according to the Nava! annual report tabled iu the House today. The Philomel, however, because of financial stringency, will have to be used for some time yet. "The site upon which it is proposed to erect the naval barracks to replace the Philomel has been selected at Devonport,” states the report, “and is situated above the oil tanks. Seven sections of laDd have already been purchased and at least two and possibly four additional sections will be required to complete the site. Because of the financial stringency it will not be possible to begin construction before about June, 1931, and in the meantime the Philomel continues to act as training ship for the New Zealand Division and naval depot ship at Auckland.

“As a result of the postponement of the building of the barracks arrangements are being made for a survey of the ship to be made to ascertain how long she can continue to act in her present capacity. It. is considered that she will probably be tit to continue for another two or three years provided certain repairs are carried out.

“The new laboratory at Fort Takapuna is now complete and In regular use. Cabinet approval was given in February to exjtend the sum of £2,000 on new works to ensure safe stowage of certain explosives and to comply with the Admiralty- recommendations on the lay-out. of an armament, depot. The following were taken in hand and are 70 per cent, complete:—Building of the firework magazine, building of the guncotton magazine, building of the target smoke shell magazine, construction of a concrete path and 2ft Gin rails from the magazine to the laboratory.”