H.M.S. PHILOMEL

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 137, 16 July 1914, Page 10

H.M.S. PHILOMEL

GETTING HER READY. Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 16. ' Speaking to a reporter dn the subject of the taking over by the New Zealand Government of H.M.S. Philomel, the Hon. J. Allen said that Captain Hall Thompson had repdrted to him that morning. He hoped that members of Parliament would shortly visit the ship and see for. themselves what class of vessel she is. Considerable progress had been made in the direction of drafting regulations, some of which had already been agreed to; but it must be remembered. that they had to deal not only with colonials who. might enter into the scheme, but with the men from the Imperial Navy who formed th» nucleus of the Crew. When the rejgulations had been finally approved, applications would be invited for recruits and officers, and he was pleased to be able to state that already a great many applications had been received. There would be no delay whatever in bringing the scheme into operation. The work of preparation was being carried out as rapidly as possible. There might, he added, be some delay in regard to tiie training of officers, . because he had no definite answer from the Commonwealth as to the suggestion that New Zealand officers should undergo, training in the Australian Naval College. It was chiefly a matter o£ accommodation, and he understood that; the Commonwealth was establishing new quarters. He had no doubt, he added, that the Commonwealth would-assist New Zealand in the matter as far as lay in its power.