Aerodrome in

Samoa May Have Military Significance

Prom Our Own Correspondent

T„„ , Apia, Jan. 20.

HE Public Works Department now is preparing a landing ground for aero planes, on land that is part of N.Z.

Reparation Estates at Vailele, east of Apia.

There is quiet water, in the lagoon, in the shelter of the reef, in the vicinity, for the use of seaplanes.

It is not known whether this is to be a commercial or military airport—prob ably both. It is assumed that it is being

got ready, ostensibly, for the inaugura tion of British trans-Pacific airmail ser vices.

It is believed that the visit of Earl Beatty was something more than a plea sant tour and social call—that it was connected with a survey of possible aeroplane bases.