Naval Defence of the Colony.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5913, 27 April 1887, Page 3

Naval Defence of the Colony.

[By Telegraph.] [fkoic ouu own corbebpondbnt.] j WELLINGTON, Apbii, 26. Among the papers laid on the table today was the correspondence relating to the naval defence of the Colony, dealing particularly with the combined action of the Colonies in the event of war. The Government were distinctly of opinion that the Australasian fleet was insufficient and should be strengthened. Sir George "Whitmore, in a memo to the Defence , Minister strongly favoured the selection of Auckland aa a coaling station for Her Majesty's fleet. Its value as such, he points out, ia greatly enhanced by the fact , that of all our harbours it is the one most strongly defended. It has also the coal harbour of Russell, at no great distance, where Her Majesty's vessels can procure coal cheaply, as the freight would be saved. , Moreover, Auckland has a dock large enough to repair and refit - men-of-war visiting Australasia, and its situation aa regards the Pacific is more convenient than that of any of the Colonies. The climate favours a sanatorium for the sailors whom : the great heat of Australia or the Pacific j has affected, and already there are j foundries and machine- makers capable of [ undertaking any repairs that might be i required. Wellington is also an excellent ; and well-defended harbour with many of i the advantages of Auckland, but not posI seesing a dock like the Calliope, or a safe j coaling place where coal can be obtained at i a price cheapened by absence of freight.