TO BE MODERNISED

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1926, Page 13

TO BE MODERNISED

L.M.B. DUNEDIN RECALLED.

Auckland, Dec. 29. The flagship of the New Zealand naval division, the Dunedin, ie scheduled to leave Auckland on Japuary 25 for England, where she will relit. She is expected to bo away for about six months, and win undergo alterations that will bring her right up-to-date in accordance with latest naval designs and progress. Owing’ to discoveries and improvements that are made almost every month, warehips that are quite new from the point of view of fitness soon become out-of-date in their armament and other essentials. Consequently units of the fleet are continually recalled to bases in England to be modernised. The Dupedin will be thoroughly overhauled, and certain alterations will be made to her armament and other appointments. During the Dunedin’s absence Commodore Swabey will transfer her broad pennant to the Diomede. Captain Ritchie, of the Diomede, will transfer to the Dunedin, and will lake charge during the voyage. About 150 of the crew of the Dunedin, whose time on the New Zealand etation will have expired, will leave the ship in England, and they will be replaced by men from various naval depots. The Diomede was overhauled and refitted in England about a year ago, and she will prdbably return to England to be refitted again In about 18 month or two years.