NAVAL BASE QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15374, 8 August 1913, Page 7

NAVAL BASE QUESTION.

PICTON'S CLAIM COMBATED. [by TELEGRAPH". —SPECIAL COBBESBONDENT.] - / > Wellington, Thursday. . The claims of Queen. Charlotte Sound to selection as a naval base were again advanced by Mr. E. McCallum (Wairau) this evening in speaking on the Betterment Bill. ■ ' . Mr, J. A. Young (Waikato) combated I Mr. McCalluir.'s contention. The member I for V/airau, he said, had stated that the j depth oi' water in Auckland Harbour would preclude it from ever becoming a naval base. Auckland, Mr. Young pointed out, -was already a naval base, and had been recognised as such by the Admiralty for some years past. He reminded the House that five years ago 16 American battleships' found safe anchorage in Auckland Harbour. There wae sufficient room there for 60 or 80 battleships. At the Calliope Dock jetty, which was under the control of the Admiralty, there was 33ft of water at low water spring tides. Mr. Young pointed out also that it was only a few weeks ago that the battleship New Zealand was able to berth at the loead of Queen Street Wharf with her noso pushing right into the town. BERMUDAS AND AUCKLAND. [BY TELEGRAPH.SPECIAL COBRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Thursday. Mr. A. M. Myers (Auckland East) gave notice to-day to ask the Prime Minister if any official papers had been received from the Admiralty in regard to the cabled intention of establishing a naval base at the Bermudas. If so he desired to know if this factor.would have any bearing upon the selection of, Auckland as the naval base in New Zealand.