DOMINION DEFENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1934, Page 5

DOMINION DEFENCE

GOVERNMENT'S LAND PURCHASE

(Per Press Association, Copyright). v

WELLINGTON, February 9., Regarding Dominion defence, Hon. Mr Cobbe (Defence Minister) when interviewed in -regard to the strip of land that is being taken at Auckland for defence purposes, declined to give any indication as to what use it is to be put to, but it is surmised that at is to be either 13, seaplane base, or for modern fortifications. It is understood that steps are being taken in other centres to strengthen the fortifications generally, -but the members of the Government arc reticent about the proposals. It is expected, however, that a comprehensive statement will he issued next week. NAVAL C-RUISE OF PACIFIC. ' AUCKLAND, February 9. Both the Dunedin and the Diomede will leave Auckland In June, on a cruise of the Pacific Islands. The former leaves on June 15, and after calling at Nukualofa, Suva, Apia,. Pago Pago, Coivbor-a, Tahiti, Mocrea, Baiatea and Raratonga, will return to Auckland on August 7. The Diomede leases on June 18, and aftc r calling at Norfolk Island, Vila, Hog Harbour, Ocean T-sPn-d, Tarawa, Funafuti, Apia, j Suva, Vnvm, and Nukualofa, .returns to Auckland on August 10. | The Government has taken frv de-

fence purposes a strip of coastline at Castor Bay, north of Takapu>vi, -«.nd fronting the H-uraki Gulf. The purpose of the purchase has not been d’s- - omcpd. i'i’iQ'it twenty-seven property owners are affected.