NAVAL BASH QUESTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3097, 23 July 1913, Page 6

NAVAL BASH QUESTION.

AUCKLAND OR PICTON. (Fhom Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, July 16. The question of the naval base was again raised in Parliament this afternoon, when Mr M'Callum asked the Prime Minister —(1) Whether his attention had been drawn to the plainly-expressed opinion of Captain Halsey concerning the suitability of Queen Charlotte Sound as the premier in the dominion for the establishment of a naval base, and whether the Government would use its best endeavours to impress that opinion upon the Admiralty authorities? (2) Would the Prime Minister, in order to advance Picton’s advantages as a naval station, urge on the speedier completion of the South Island East Coast Main Trunk line of railway, and make a beginning with the suggested branch line via Topnouse to the NelsonWest Coast Main Trunk line of railway, so that Picton for strategic, commercial, and other purposes might be brought into immediate connection with all parts of the dominion? The Hon. Mr Massey replied as follows : “(1) No doubt the hydrographical conditions of Picton render it a suitable harbour for the sheltering of ships, naval and merchant, but there are many important considerations to be taken into account in the selection of a naval base for the dominion ; and (2) the information asked for will be supplied in the Public Works Statement.” Mr M'Callum : We have the very best harbour to be found anywhere. The depth of water in Auckland Harbour must always preclude it from becoming a satisfactory naval base. Auckland’s Members; No. Mr M'Callum said that the best harbour in the dominion was that at Picton. The Prime Minister’s unsatisfactory answer, he considered, was attributable to the fact that he was an Auckland member. Mr Russell said that the naval base should command the coasts of both islands. Auckland did not meet this need, but Queen Charlotte Sound did.