NAVAL STRENGTH OF N.Z.

Southland Times, Issue 24500, 30 July 1941, Page 6

NAVAL STRENGTH OF N.Z.

Details Given By Minister (Special) WELLINGTON, July 29. 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 (the Hon. F. Jones) during the Budget debate in the House of Representatives tonight. “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, the Gale, the Rata and the Muritai, which have been converted into minesweepers and constitute a mobile fast flotilla together with six auxiliary minesweepers and a large number of motor-launches for patrol duties,” the Minister said. “In addition to these, three speciallydesigned minesweeping and , antisubmarine 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 said that nine steel minesweepers were being built in New Zealand and there was being formed a flotilla of vessels to counter the menace of the magnetic mine. CRUISERS FULLY OCCUPIED

The Minister explained that he could not give much information in public about seagoing ships, but he could assure the House that the cruisers were fully occupied in the most effective manner in the protection of shipping, and auxiliary minesweepers and a fast minesweeping flotilla were equally busy in the dual task of ensuring the destruction of mines laid more than a year ago. “I regret I cannot give particulars, but I can tell the House that in this last respect the untiring efforts of the minesweepers have been most productive of results,” he said. Provision had also been made for the laying of defensive minefields. A very forward policy in all respects 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 in regard to measures which would be necessary in the event of the war extending to the Far East and the Pacific.

There were 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. There had been an excellent response to naval recruiting and 2402 candidates were waiting to be called for entry. Many more potential recruits of a high standard were waiting than could be taken at present. Discussing the establishment of H.M.S. Tamaki, the Minister said some 600 men a year were being trained, the first draft having already left New Zealand. Very satisfactory reports had been received on H.M.S. Tamaki trainees.