FOB A NAVAL BASE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 137, 12 June 1913, Page 5

FOB A NAVAL BASE.

THE CLAIMS OF PICTON

Dealing editorially with tihe remarks made by Captain Halsey on Tuesday on the question of the suitability of Picton as a naval base, The, Dominion of yesterday says:—The, pronouncement (reported to have .been: made by Captain Halsey concerning the merits of the port of Picton, both as a port and as a naval base, should not. be lightly passed,over. We know that it is the customary thing for visitors to endeavor. to say pleasant tilings- on such occasions, but the comments of the captain of H.M.S. New Zealand are far from being anything in the nature of an empty compliment. For a long time past it has been urged— and weighty facts have been added in support of the .contention—that Picton, situated as it is at the head of' a long, narrow, sheltered1, deepwater sound,, practically at the centre of the Dominion and within easy reach of both coasts of both islands, possesses advantages over any other port of New Zealand as a naval base. It would almost seem to have been designed by Nature for that special purpose, and Captain Halsey, in expressing the view he did, lias only added further emphasis and weight to the opinions already expressed. The time is now opportune for the full consideration of this question of making the port of Picton the principal naval base in these waters. It has been made very plain that an important departure in -the matter of naval defence is in prospect, involving, we believe, the stationing of our own war vessels in these waters, and it is clear from past expressions of opinion on the pant of the Admiralty authorities that the creation of a naval baao is regarded as one of the most vital necessities of th© immediate future. When the Government comes to the consideration, of the details of its naval policy the advantages of Picton as a naval base may be expected to occupy their serious attention.