COASTAL DEFENCES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 57, 9 March 1937, Page 5

COASTAL DEFENCES

WORK AT MOTUTAPU INSPECTION BY MINISTER. KAURI POINT AND DEVONPORT. AUCKLAND, March 6. Gratification with tne progress macie with the coastal aeience worK at Motutapu was expressed yesterday oy the Minister of ue±ence, the Hou. V. Jones, following an oificial visit ol inspection. He said the men had done splendid work, with which he was very pleased, and they should he finished this year. The ammunition depot at Kauri Point and the Devonport Naval Base were visited by the Minister and * party of experts yesterday morning. Mr. Jones was accompanied by Commander C. B. I‘iniey, omcer in charge at the base, Major-General Sir V, uliam Sinclair burgess, general officer commanding the new Zealand Military Fofces, Colonel J. E. officer commanding tne Northern command, Mr. G. NicCloghne, dockjur.d manager of the Naval Base, ana Messrs. C. R. Petrie, W. T. Anaerton, A. S. Richardson and W. P. Endean, M.P.’s. The earthworks at Kauri Point have been completed, but a supply ol steel was now awaited in oruer to continue with the rest of the programme, the Minister said. Ihe Vvork was well up to schedule so far, and included reclamation, road building and most of the construction of a pier. The total cost was estimated to fie about £BO,OOO. “They are also waiting for steel at the Naval Base to complete the boiler-house and the maenme-shop,” Mr. Jones added. Reclamation had been commenced to make available an area on which to erect a 12,000-ton oil-tank, which would increase sub-

stantially the storage capacity at the base. This would be a fairly long job, and the Minister was not definite as to when it would be completed. The extension at the base wes*estimated to cost about £210,000. “I was very pleased with the stamp of boys and young men in training at the base,” the Minister concluded. “They are a very good type of young New Zealander.” The Minister left for Wellington by the limited express last night.