UNDERGOING REFIT

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 59, 2 December 1933, Page 9

UNDERGOING REFIT

H.M.S. Dunedin at Devonport

FUTURE NAVAL ADDITIONS

Dominion Special Service.

Auckland, December 1.

H.M.S. Dunedin, flagship of RearAdmiral Burges Watson, is at present undergoing her annual relit at Devonport Naval Base. This is not such an important operation as the biennial refit, such as the Diomede underwent at Devonport last year, although it necessitates the employment of a certain amount of civilian dockyard labour. During tlie course of tlie refit the cruiser will be docked for cleaning and painting. The Dunedin is due for her biennial refit next year, but it has not been decided whether the work will be carried out locally or whether the cruiser will return to Chatham, England.

It is thought possible that the first New Zealand cruiser to return to England for refit will be replaced by one of the new and highly successful Leander class cruisers, which would considerably augment the strength of the New Zealand Division.

The defence policy recently announced by the Government, plans for the provision of two modern cruisers, larger than those at present on tlie station. This will necessitate an enlargement of the shore facilities at tlie Devonport Naval Base, and plans are being prepared accordingly. However, the question of the replacement of the cruisers is one depending largely on finance, although there is a possibility that the first of the new ships may arrive on the station in 1935. By that time the two new Imperial sloops Leith and Wellington will be in service on the station. The Leith, which will replace the Veronica, will arrive at Auckland toward tlie middle of next year, while the Wellington will replace the Laburnum in 1935.

Commanded by Captain Jackson, the Veronica will leave Auckland on February 24, arriving at Chatham on June 19. It is understood that she will be broken up ou arrival in England.