NEW ZEALAND NAVAL BASE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 10 February 1936, Page 9

NEW ZEALAND NAVAL BASE

INCREASED ACTIVITY

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

AUCKLAND, 9th February. One of the two new cruisers to be stationed in New Zealand, H.M.S. Achilles, will probably arrive in about six months and the other cruiser, Leander, in about 12 months, resulting in a large increase in the personnel at the naval base, according to statements by Commodore the Hon. E. IL Drummond, officer commanding the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. The commodore foreshadowed a large increase in the number of New Zealand ratings. He said the Achilles would he sent out when the Diomede now in the Mediterranean, went Home to pay off. The European situation had eased considerably, but matters were still unsettled, and until there was further improvement and the position became more secure the Diomede must be kept in the Mediterranean. The arrival of the cruisers would mean a large increase in flic personnel at the base, representing approximately 250 additional ratings to each ship, the majority being Imperial men on loan.

It was hoped over a period eventually to man the new cruisers with 100 per cent, of New Zealand ratings, and about 1000 New Zealanders would be wanted in the division.

However, Imperial ratings would he included, as much advantage accrued from the system of interchanging men, a system which had been begun by the speaker’s predecessor.

Motorists and Hikers ! Beware of wind and sunburn. Apply VELAY LOTION before and after exposure in the open—soothing and refreshing. Use it regularly this summer.