NAVAL STRENGTH

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 260, 30 July 1941, Page 8

NAVAL STRENGTH

New Zealand Men And Ships

MINISTER’S REVIEW

Forward Policy Of Defence

The naval strength of New Zealand, and the achievements of the Dominion’s men and ships, were reviewed in detail by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones. The Minister was briefly cut off the air by the Speaker, Mr. Barnard, but after a brief pause he resumed his speech, the continuation of which was again broadcast.

“The New Zealand naval forces now consist of the cruisers Leander and Achilles, the armed merchant cruiser Monowai, the Government vessel Matai. and three other New Zealand vessels. Gale, Rata and Muritai, which have been converted into minesweepers and constitute a mobile, fast flotilla, together with six auxiliary .minesweepers and a large number of motorlaunches for patrol duties,” the Minister said. “In addition to these, the three specially-designed minesweeping and anti-submarine vessels, which had been approved 'before the war to be built in Scotland as a training flotilla, are nearing completion, and before the end of the year will have arrived in New Zealand waters.” Mr. Jones added that nine steel minesweepers were being built in New Zealand. Two vessels had been taken up as danlayers to operate with the minesweepers, and there was being formed a flotilla of vessels to counter the mem ace of the magnetic mine, which would consist of two small ships and three composite steel and wood trawlers being built at Auckland and nearing completion. A number of other additions to the naval forces was planned. “Members are aware that H.M.S. Leander has distinguished herself In her operations in the Indian Ocean, the Minister said. “She has also recently been in the Mediterranean for a short period. “I regret I cannot give particulars, but I can tell the House that the untiring efforts of the minesweepers have been most productive of results," he added. He referred to the loss of H.M.S. Purirl, and said that the results had amply justified the decision to take up certain coastal vessels for naval purposes. Provision had also been made for the laying of defensive minefields.

Defence Conferences. A very forward policy in all aspects of naval defence was being pursued, and the Government was in constant touch with the Governments of the United Kingdom and other parts of the Commonwealth about measures which would be necessary in the event of war extending to the Far East and the Pacific. For this purpose the Government’s principal naval adviser, Commodore W. E. Parry, C. 8., had, with the other chiefs of staff, paid a number of visits beyond New Zealand to attend conferences. These had produced the most encouraging results. New Zealand also had a naval liaison officer to represent her interests at Singapore, ana another attached to the New Zealand supply mission in Washington. “There are now 349 officers and 3834 ratings serving in the New Zealand naval forces, both at home and overseas, against 82 and 1257 respectively before the war,” he continued. “The total is 4183 against 1339. These figures cover both New Zealand personnel and personnel on loan from the Royal Navy.” i . More New Zealanders Serving. There was an increased number of New" Zealanders serving, he added: Officers totalled 282 and other ranks 3514.’. Of . these 119 officers ahd 1559 men were overseas either in the Royal Navy or in H.M.S. Leander., which was operating. under the Admiralty. In. eluded in the tqtal were 46 officers and 198 men of the mercantile marine who had been entered.for service in H.M.S. Monowai and minesweepers. A total of 1884 reserve personnel, comprising 212 officers and 1672 ratings had: been mobilized for service in New Zealand and overseas.

Under different schemes, 65 probationary temporary sub-lieutenants had been entered for service with the Royal Navy, in addition to 194 ordinary seamen, 378 naval airmen second class and 80 technical and comunication ratings. Very encouraging reports had been received from naval authorities in Britain on the high standard of the New Zealanders. There had been an excellent response to naval recruiting, and 2402 candidates were waiting to be called for entry. Manj more potential recruits of a high standard were waiting than could be taken at present. The Minister also discussed the establishment of H.M.S. Tamaki. He said some 600 men a year were being trained, the first draft having already teft New Zealand. Very satisfactory reports had been received on H.M S. Tamaki trainees. The Naval Board had tins month interviewed the 1941 candidates for permanent service entries, and four had passed both' medical and educational examinations. Oil Fuel Supplies.

Oil fuel was obtained under arrangements made by the Admiralty. Supplies to date had been satisfactory The quantity used was now large, and to meet requirements and provide reserves additional tankage had been hired at Auckland, and a large new tank was approaching completion at Wellington. “We have one of the most up-to-date workshops south of the line,” the Minister added. He referred to the importance of defensively equipping merchant ships and renairing and refitting them, and to the amount of this work done in New Zealand under the superintendence of the naval authorities. The Government had appointed a shipbuilding and repairs committee which functioned under the Minister of Supply and Munitions, and had represented on it the navabboard and marine department, and controllers of supply, munitions and factories.