DEFENCE WORKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 190, 14 August 1939, Page 10

DEFENCE WORKS.

PROGRESS IN NEW ZEALAND.

COST OF BLENHEIM AERODROME,

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

BLENHEIM, Sunday. "We cannot afford to rest while dictators are looking for territory to develop, even if it is territory they are not entitled to," said the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, in the course of a reference to the progress of defence works in New Zealand thiough the adoption of mechanised methods. r J he Minister was speakiii" at the opening yesterday of a 330 ft reinforced concrete bridge over the Ia \ lor River giving direct all-weather access to the Blenheim airjiort as well as an alternative route to the new military aerodrome at Woodbourne. With a 24ft roadway and a total length, including approaches of 28 chains, "the bridge cost more than £10,000. Mr. Semple said the new Royal New Zealand Air Force station would eventually cost more than £400,000. Contracts £04,000 had been already let. Some people say that is huge expen diture,-' added the Minister. "I certainly would sooner be spending such money on roads and homes, but we have been informed by experts that the Dominion s first line of defence will be in the air, so we have to be ready to meet the enemy 400 miles out at sea, and either gi\e him the tip to go back or send him to the bottom. Xew Zealand is a country of great possibilities, and if we have such treasure we must make sure we are in a position to defend it if we are challenged. "We selected Blenheim as one of °the centies of this activity. Before long there will be between 500 and «00 young men at Woodbourne and some of the finest aeroplanes you can buy." Speaking subsequently at*a local body luncheon Mr. Semple returned to the subject of defence, when he appealed to people generally to sink political and other differences and co-operate in what was being done to consolidate the defences of the country. "My own view is the British notion is the sheet anchor of democracy," said Mr. Semple. "If it goes civilisation roes with a.*? 8