Should be Combed

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 4, 6 January 1941, Page 8

Should be Combed

AUSTRALIAN HARBOURS MAY BE USED BY ENEMY A suggestion that the Australian harbours should be combed to see tnat they were not being used as bases to assist raiders, was made by Senator Macartney Abbott (C.P., N.S.W.) in the Australian Senate. In the past, he said, heavy launches run by enemy nationals had operated from many Australian harbours. The Minister, representing the Minister for the Navy, Senator Foil, *aiti that the Government was giving serious attention to sweeping coastal shipping lanes for mines. The matter was well in hand, and there was no shortage of volunteers to man minesweepers. Senator Brand (U.A.P., Vic.) had asked if sufficient mine-sweepers were operating in Australian waters to deal effectively with the menace of mines to Australia's coastal shipping. He suggested that, if there were not sufficient minesweepers, the Government should consider diverting from other industries skilled tradesmen to build, suitable craft. The Minister for Air, Mr McEwcn, Itold the House of Representatives that aircraft available and suitable for reconnaissance were being put to the best possible use. Mr Hutchinson (U.A.P., Vic.) had 'asked if, in view of recent sinkings off jthe Australian coast, the Minister was 'satisfied with present reconnaissances. Mr McEwen said that everyone concerned would be pleased if these air patrols could be more widespread than at present. Aerial reconnaissance was used far more widely than was generally believed. Replying to a suggestion by Mr HutIchinson that the patrols should be extended even if it meant further curtailment c£ civil air services. Mr McEwen said that there had been substantial impressment of civil aircraft and further impressment was being ’considered.