Development of Singapore Defences

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 167, 16 July 1937, Page 5

Development of Singapore Defences

MONEY WELL SPENT Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 15. 1 New Zealand’s contribution towards the cost of the defence works at Singapore Naval Base has been well spent, according to Mr A. E. Mabin, of Wellington, who arrived at Auckland on the final stage of his round trip from the Dominion to the East. He said that the naval, military and air resources there were a revelation. Mr Mabin was present at tho opening of the huge commercial airport at Singapore ou July 12, aud witnessed the arrival of 28 air-liners controlled by Imperial Airways and the Dutch Company known as the K.L.M. The ! spending of well over £1,000,000 had transformed a jungle swamp into a fine aerodrome equipped with palatial offices and every conceivable accessary, the aerodrome and its equipment could easily be adapted and used for defence purposes. ! After he had seen something of the disposition of the three defence units at Singapore—naval, military and air —Mr Mabin was convinced that they formed a powerful bulwark for Britain’s possessions in tho Southern Pacific. i “Singapore undoubtedly is the key to the East,” he added, “and New Zealanders may rest content that they aave made a wise investment there.”