AVIATION BASE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 11 September 1924, Page 8

AVIATION BASE.

AUCKLAND SITES IN VIEW. FUTURE DEFENCE POLICY. AUCKLAND, Sept. 7. Preliminary arrangements in regard to the aviation base are in hand, and welj. forward to finality. As explained by the Prime Minister, the Government has purchased the aviation plant at Kdhimarama, and placed it at the disposal of the Defence Department as an auxiliary branch of coastal defence. The plant is to be taken over at the valuation of the Government Stores Control Board in Wellington, and the cost of its acquisition probably will be £12,000. The land is not included in the purchase. The present aviation site is part of . the Church of England property, which is to be subdivided into residential allotments. It can he taken over at valuation under the Public Works Act, but it does not appear likely to be so acquired.

Other sites, including Crown lands, are available along the Auckland seaboard. and there is a good prospect of one of these being selected for the purpose of an aerial defence base. Some time ago an inspection of a commodious site at the head of the Whitemata Harbour, near Tamaki, was made by representatives of the Defeiice: Department, and, on the occasion of the Special Squadron’s visit to AucklgriU, Vice-Adhiiral Sir Frederick Field pressed the opinion that this site was admirably suited _ for the projected, purpose. A decision has not . yet been made, however, respecting the selection of the site, but Mr. Massey states that it is the intention of the Government to go on with the' development of the aviation base at Auckland. For this purpose, additional aircraft and plant will be obtained. \

It is interesting to note that, in recent references to the subject of naval defence in the- Pacific, .severer famous admirals have insisted on the necessity of the Overseas Dominions in the Southern Seas providing aviation" Bases at different ports along the seaboard, and also fast scout ’planes for reconnoitring and co-ooerating with cruisers. Parliament will be consulted this session on the question of authorising financial provision for the second cruiser, as recommended by the Admiralty. It is quite obvious that New Zealand will increase its practical share in naval defence.