COASTAL DEFENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 95, 23 April 1935, Page 8

COASTAL DEFENCE

WORK IN PROSPECT

PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT

Visits of inspection were paid Recently by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. J. G. Cobbe) to the Devonport Naval Base and to the air base at Hobsonville, states the "New Zealand Herald." Commenting on his visit afterwards the Minister said that increased activities at the naval base would probably necessitate the erection of some additional buildings. The considerable amount of stores and other equipment which it was necessary to maintain properly occupied a space that now was all too small for requirements. Proposals were under consideration to make better provision, particularly in the stores branch.

Certain extended accommodation would be essential when the new ships of the Leander class were placed in the New Zealand station, added the Minister. ! It would probably mean the acquiring of sonic extras land for equipment stores, and some sites were under review.

■ "The carrying out of the Government's plans to modernise the coast defences," continued Mr. Cobbe, "means work for many men in need of it. The erection of the buildings and the. lay-ing-out of the grounds at Narrow Neck absorb a fair number of men. If Cabinet approves of the proposals to be placed before it in relation to Motutapu—l am, of course, unable to give a definite outline of these proposals just now—the services of many more men will be utilised. There are then two features, and these features will be appreciated—the efficient fortification on modern lines of the port, and the absorption of men in the ranks of the unemployed."

A very considerable improvement In the general appearance of the Hobsoriville Air Base was noted by the Minister. "The whole area,",he stated, "has a look of stability about it which is in keeping with its importance as'one of the essential arms of the Defence Department. The work of erecting the large hangar to house the bomber aircraft and of levelling the additional large area of landing ground is pro? ceeding with expedition. When the full programme to be carried out at the base is completed the extent of the Government's operations in the Air Force branch will be realised."

The Minister was accompanied on his tour of inspection' "by the general officer commanding the New Zealand Forces, Major-General Sir William Sin-clair-Burgess, the officer commanding the Northern Command, LieutenantColonel J. E. Duigan,. the Quarter-master-General, Lieutenant-Colonel E. Futtick, and Squadron-Leader L. M. Isitt. .