NAVAL DEFENCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 71, 6 January 1936, Page 7

NAVAL DEFENCE.

HANDLING NEW CRUISERS. (Special to the " G-uardian.") AUCKLAND, Jan. 3. An immense volume of work in connection with the extension and improvement of the Dcvonport Naval Base and the provision of additional naval defence facilities has been carried out successfully during tht past year Much additional work remains to be done before the base is fully equipped to handle the two large new cruisers, H.M.S. Leander and H.M.S. Achilles, which will shortly replace H.M.B. Dunedin and H.MS. Diomede on tho New Zealand Station, but preliminary plans have been prepared and all that is required is the completion of the financial arrangements and official authority for the work to commence. The equipment of the base has also been vas'tly improved during the year. The nana! authorities have arranged for the supply of new machinery for tho repai.r shops and this should enable refltrt of Leander class cruisers to be can aled out locally with complete efficiency. Base offices, new instruction and recreation shells and drainage and firefighting facilities havo been provided during the y ear. Other works of major importa voce % are scheduled for commencement as soon as the necessary approval i'S given.