NAVAL STATION FOR THE SOUTH PACIFIC.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 86, 24 January 1885, Page 3

NAVAL STATION FOR THE SOUTH PACIFIC.

Auckland, January 21. Till fact that Auckland's claims had been overlooked in tho seloction of permanent rendezvous for tho Bi'itish .ships of war on the Australian station was brought up at the meeting of tho Harbour Board yesterday by the Chairman. lie said that on two previous occasions reports were made by this board to the Lords of tho Admiralty, but circumstances wore not so favourable then as now, andhobolicvcdareport mightat tho present lime be made with good results. Ho pointed out tho splondid dock aecoramo dation which would soon bo capable of affording due attention to our valuablo coal deposits, and after quoting the remarks of His Excellency the (Governor on the advantages of Auckland as a centre for naval defence, moved as follows :—" That this BoarJ forward to the Lords of tho Admiralty an expression of regret tl.at New Zealand has been omitted from the li t of those j places where it is intended to provide permanent stations or rendezvous for the vessels of Her Majesty's navy in the South Pacific. The Board further makes representations as to the special suitability of the port of Auckland as a naval station, and that full information regarding docking and coaling facilities be forwarded, together with the opinion of His Excellency Sir W. Drummond Jervois, as lately given in an official report upon harbour defences. That the Lords of the Admiralty be informed that such land having deepwater frontage as may be required will be provided, and that no large expenditure will be necessary to render this harbour convenient and available for the vessels of the Imperial navy in these seas." Mr Mays seconded the motion, which was agreed to.