NEW CRUISERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22206, 5 September 1935, Page 12

NEW CRUISERS

THE FIBST NEXT YEAI! MODERNISING NAVAL BASE PROGRESS OF DIVISION IMPROVED RECRUITING [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER! WELLINGTON. Wednesday The fact that two new cruisers are expected on the Now Zealand station within the next two .years to replace H.MS. Dunedin and H.M.S. Dioniede is revealed in tho annual report of the New Zealand Naval Forces for the year ended Marcn 31, which was presented to Parliament to-day b.v tho Minister of Defence, Hon. J. G. Cohhe. Some weeks ago Mr. Cobbe announced in Auckland that tho first of the new warships, a cruiser of the Leandor class, would arrive from England next year to replace the Dioniede, but he was unable then to say when tlx* Dunedin would be replaced. The report presented to Parliament is Binned by Rear-Admiral F. Hurley Watson, who was eommodore commanding the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy until he was succeeded a few monthe ago by Commodore the Hon. E- It. Drummond. It states that the main policy of the division has been directed toward the increased repair nnd other facilities required by the larger and more modern ships which are due to arrive. Plans are being prepared to modernise the naval base at Devon port and to provide the necessary plant and equipment to undertake the periodical refits of the new cruisers The latter statement indicates that even with the new ships the policy of local refits will be maintained, providing periodical employment for skilled civilian workmen. Dealing with the personnel of tho division, the report shows that of the 963 ratings, 477 have been recruited in Now Zealand, while 30 other New Zealand ratings have gone to England to serve in the Royal Navy on an interchange basis for approximately throe years. Recruiting is said to have shown an improvement, and the progress of New Zealand ratings continues to compare favourably with those in the 1m perial service. One more New Zealand rating has been promoted to warrant lank, and consideration has boon civeti to a scheme for the promotion of exceptional young New Zealand ratines to commissioned rank. Anothor clause states that it was not practicable to proceed with the construction of additional magazine accommodation at Takapuna. and plans wert* being prepared to transfer the naval armament depot to a new site which would permit tho necessary expansion.