THE SITE OF THE CAPITAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13813, 28 July 1908, Page 3

THE SITE OF THE CAPITAL.

Sir,—As mentioned by a recent correspondent the seat oJ Government question does not appear to be receiving that attention in Parliament which its importance deserves. Sir Joseph Ward stated that- to remove \it from Wellington would necessitate the removal of the headquarters of the banks; but when the seat of Government was removed from Auckland the same thing happened and the banks survived. If an enemy's fleet appeared off Wellington the seat of Government; banks fend all, might have to be shifted in a hurry. Better for the Dominion to do it now quietly to some suitable inland locality easily defensible There must be a number to choose from on the Main Trunk, .the Midland, Otago Central, and other linesa spot that would require the landing of an army to attack, which would not be likely to be attempted. It is a mistake having the capital at a commercial "centre, and unfair to the rest of the Dominion. If the safest and most suitable spot is not to be selected for the capital, then it should be returned to Auckland. In these days of cables J and .telegraphs and , steam communication the reasons for its being located in Cook's Strait no longer exist as were alleged when the Commission was appointed to decide where in Cook's Strait the capital was to be located. Members, and especially the Auckland members, ought to insist that the interests of the Dominion should be considered rather than the interests of Wellington or anv other place. ; E.I. '