PRESSMEN SEE NAVAL BASE

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 209, 3 September 1941, Page 4

PRESSMEN SEE NAVAL BASE

Netherlands East Indies naval officials fit the Sourabaya base told- members of the Australian Press delegation that a comparatively small quantity of Australian steel was required to complete the construction of vessels urgently needed to patrol the Timor Sea, Indian Ocean, and other sea lane approaches to the East Indies as well as the Commonwealth.

“We have guns, engines, and full equipment,” they said. “All we want is steel. Please give it to us.” The Press delegation travelled on Sourabaya harbour in stainless steel motor torpedo-boats, driven by three aeroplane engines and fitted with torpedo tubes, depth-charge apparatus, and anti-aircraft guns. Built in the East Indies, they are capable of a speed of 40 miles an hour.

The delegation also inspected shipbuilding yards, in which minelayers, minesweepers, submarine chasers, and patrol boats up to 2000 tons were being built.

The visitors were greatly impressed by the immense activity at the naval base, which employs 18,000 workmen, the majority of whom are Eurasians and natives engaged in tasks varying from constructing and repairing delicate aircraft instruments to overhauling the turbines of the latest cruisers.