NEW WARSHIPS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 112, 4 February 1933, Page 11

NEW WARSHIPS

New Zealand Division TWO LATEST CRUISERS Replacement Programme INCREASING EFFICIENCY By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Feb. 3. Two new cruisers of the Leander class, which is said to represent the greatest triumph in British naval architecture during recent years, will join the New Zealand Division.'of the Royal Navy, possibly within the next three years. They will replace H.M.S. Diomede and H.M.S. Dunedin, two cruisers at present on the New Zealand station, and with two new Imperial sloops of the Rochester class, which are to replace the Veronica and the Laburnum will materially increase the strength and efficiency of the squadron. The first of the new cruisers may arrive next year. They will embody many features, which have not been possessed by warships previously visiting New Zealand waters. Perhaps the most notable innovation is that each ship will carry three aeroplanes on board, thus making provision for full aerial co-operation in all naval work. When the Leander was laid down in September, 1930, six cruisers of her type were planned. .The Leander was launched at Devonport naval dockyards, England, in September, 1931. It was stated that she was ideal for work generally undertaken by light cruisers, the policing of the high seas and under the latest Navy estimates construction' of more ships of her type has been, planned. j

The Leander has a standard dis-’ placement of 7000 tons as against tlie Diomede’s 4765 tons and Dunedin’s 4650 tons. She is 554 ft in length, 82ft. longer than cruisers at present on the station, and her beam and draught are 55ft, 2in. and 16ft. respectively, compared with 46Jft. and 15ft. in tlie case of the old cruisers. The armament of cruisers of the Leander class consists of eight Gin. guns in four twin turrets, four 4in. anti-aircraft guns, six smaller guns, and six 21-in. torpedo tubes in triple sets.

The present cruisers carry six Gin. guns, three 41n. anti-aircraft guns, 6 smaller guns, and twelve 21in. torpedo tubes. The new cruisers will have a speed of 82 knots. ECONOMY IN FUEL Large Bunker Capacity Dominion Special Service. • Auckland, Feb. 8. A feature of the new cruisers is theis long cruising range. They can carry sufficient oil fuel to steam from 10,000 to 12,000 miles without replenishing bunkers. Under favourable conditions they would almost travel from England to New Zealand without refuelling en route. In addition they are said to be most economical in fuel consumption, and generally with the standard of efficiency taken into consideration less costly to maintain than cruisers of the Diomede class. When details of the Leander were first made public in England she was hailed by experts as representing a return to sanity in cruiser design compared with the overgrown and overgunned 10,000-ton treaty type. The disposal of her armament was regarded as the best for satisfactory control and provision of a hangar in the after structure to house three seaplanes was held to Increase even further the cruiser's range of efficiency. The new cruisers will be larger, faster, and better equipped and more efficient than those at present on the station. It is anticipated that the Dunedin and Diomede will be replaced by the new cruisers when they return to England for refits. Had the Diomede returned to England this year Instead of undergoing refit at Auckland it is possible that one of the new cruisers would have been in New Zealand waters before the end of the year. , The Dunedin is due for refit Chatham next year, and she will probably be the first cruiser to be replaced. The Diomede’s next refit will probably not take place until 1935 or 1936. The complement of the Diomede or Dunedin is about 450 men. As the new cruisers are larger they will carry larger complements, and this will allow for Increased recruiting of New Zealand ratings in the future.