THE NEW FLAGSHIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20075, 12 October 1928, Page 14

THE NEW FLAGSHIP.

AUSTRALIA AT WELLINGTON.

CRUISER OF MODERN TYPE.

SPEED OF OVER 31 KNOTS

The new 10,000-ton cruiser Australia, which arrived at Wellington on Tuesday ovening on her maiden voyage from England to Sydney, is the successor to H.M.A.S. Melbourne as flagship of the Australian Navy. She is one of tho two sister ships built at Clydebank for the Commonwealth Government bv Messrs. John Brown and Company, and is of a similar design to the County class cruisers constructed in compliance with the Wash ington Treaty. When the Australia's sister ship the Canberra and the two new submarines Oxley and Otway are stationed in Australia the defence of the southern out posts of the Empire will be materially strengthened Besides these modern units the Australian Navy includes a new seaplane carrier, the Albatross, and several Southampton flying-boats. The Now South Wales Government has under construction a floating dock capable of accommodating the new cruisers. Interest in United States. The Australia, the first of tho now 10,000-ton cruisers to visit the United States, created an unexpected amount of attentiog when she called at Atlantic ports on her present voyage to Australia. She is of 10,000 tons "standard " displacement, with geared turbines of 80,000 h.p., giving her a speed of 31.1 knots, and carries 3400 tons of oil fuel—only 600 tons less than the Nelson or -the Rodney—which gives her a very large range of action.

The Australia's main armament consists of eight Bin puns and four highangle 4in. anti-aircraft guns, supplemented by eight torpedo tubes on deck, in two of the new quadruple mounts. The Bin. guns, which have an extremely high angle of fire, throw 2381b. shells with remarkable rapidity over a long range.

In addition to her main armament the Australia is equipped with four 3poundcr guns, four 2-pounder pompoms, and 12 Lewis and machine-guns. The sides of the ship are protected by 4in. steel plating, and she has a considerable portion of her sides fitted with bulges for defence against torpedo attack. The complement of the Australia is 685 officers and men. and about 80 per cent, of the ship's company are Australians. " A Very Smart Ship."

On June 28, when the Prince of Wales visited the Australia, he complimented Rear-Admiral G. F. Hyde on the spruce appearance of his ship, and described the Australia as " a very smart ship." Instead of the customary brass, many of the fittings are of aluminium, for everything lias been considered from tho point of view of saving weight in order to remain inside tho 10.000-ton limit imposed by the Washington '.treaty. Part of Rear-Admiral Hyde's quarters is effectively decorated in Queensland maple.- Hie decks are made of pine instead of teak, in order to save weight, and, consequently, something if lost in appearance. The use of oil fuel has been carried to such an extent that even the galleys arc oil-heated. Loudspeakers a-e used ior the transmission of orders to distant parts of tho ship The Australia's shield carries the war recurd of the last Australia, whose beautiful plate and various trophies havo been transferred to the new ship. The old Aus tralia. a battle-cruiser of 18,000 tons, built in 1911, was sunk off the Sydney Heads. . after being dismantled on April 12, 1924 Comfortable Accommodation.

Greatly improved accommodation has been provided for the now ship's crew, and a forced ventilation system has been jn stalled throughout. Another innovation that has been adopted in the Australia and othci cruisers of tho county class 19 an increased height in the 'tween decks, which makes the men's quarters more airy and healthy. A recreation room for the petty officers and crew has been installed for the first tune in tho history of cruiser construction The advantages of a good recreation 100111 was proved during tho Great War, and it has now become the pracfico to include such a room in aIJ ships where spaco permits. One or -two departures from the stylo of the British cruisers have been introduced to conform with Australian conditions The practice of the British Mavy has been to have largo messes for the crew, but in Australia thg messes are smaller, and more pantries have to he provided.

The Australia is expected to leave Wellington for Sydney late to-night or tomorrow.