FLOATING BOCK PROPOSAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18756, 9 July 1924, Page 12

FLOATING BOCK PROPOSAL.

SUGGESTED CO-OPERATION,

NO OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION,

[BY TELEGBAPH. —OWN COB.EESPONDEOT.] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. In view of , the . intention of the Government tojbave a second cruiser of the type of the Dunedin stationed in New Zealand waters, much interest attaches to the cablegram from Melbourne that-New Zealand might cooperate in the construction by the Commonwealth Government of a floating dock at Cockatoo Island, Sydney, capable of accommodating battleships. When the matter was brought to the notice of the Prime Minister to-day he replied that he had not received any communication from the Australian Government on the subject. He was not ,in a position, therefore," to make a considered statement regarding the proposal.

The cablegram referred to was published yesterday. It stated that as an alternative to building one cruiser at Cockatoo Island the Federal Government was considering a proposal to build the two proposed cruisers in England, and, with the monev saved, to proceed with the construction of a great naval floating dock at Cockatoo Island. This would make Australia a potential base for capital ships of the British Navy in war timo. The cablegram added that it was considered likely that New Zealand would co-operate in the construction of the dock and also contribute a share of the cost.