NAVAL BOARD

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 24, 23 October 1936, Page 10

NAVAL BOARD

Official Recognition

Confirmation of the appointment of a naval secretary in New Zealand and of tlie establishment of the Naval Board is contained in the Naval Defence Amendment Bill, introduced in the House of Representatives last night by Governor-General’s Message. The Bill also authorises an agreement with the Auckland Harbour Board regarding the acquisition of land and the extension of facilities at the Devonport naval base.

The Naval Board has been in existence in New Zealand for some years, with the Naval Secretary as one of its members, but its existence has not been fully recognised by law. Under the Bill the appointment of a Naval Secretary is to be confirmed and the establishment of the Naval Board, consisting of the Minister of Defence, one or two executive officers of the Royal Navy, and the Naval Secretary, is officially recognised. The functions of the board are defined as the general administration of naval defence. Provision is also made for authorising the agreement made between the Minister and the Auckland Harbour Board in relation to the naval base at Auckland. Tlie agreement, which has already been signed, provides generally for the naval authorities to take over and administer the Calliope Dock site as the naval base and to extend the facilities- required for the proper operation of the base. The Bill was read a first time.