TWO NEW CRUISERS

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1935, Page 4

TWO NEW CRUISERS

NEW ZEALAND NAVAL STATION. PROVISION OF FACILITIES. (By Wire—Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, Last Night. Two new cruisers are expected on the New Zealand Station within the next two years to replace H.M.S. Dunedin and H.M.S. Diomede, according to the annual report of the New Zealand Naval Forces, which was presented to Parliament today by the Minister of Defence, (Hon. J. G. Cobbe). Some weeks ago Mr. Cobbe announced that the first of the new warships, a cruiser of the Leander class, would arrive from England next year to replace the Diomede, but he was unable then to say when the Dunedin would be replaced. The report states that the main policy of the division has been directed towards the increased repair and 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 Devonport and to provide the necessary plant and equipment to undertake periodical refits of the new cruisers. This indicates that even with the new ships the policy of local refits will be maintained, providing periodical employment for skilled workmen. Dealing with the personnel of the' division the report shows that of 963 ratings 477 have been recruited in New Zealand, while 30 other New Zealand ratings have .gone to England' to serve in the Royal Navy on an interchange basis for approximately three years. Recruiting is said to have shown an improvement, and the progress of the New Zealand ratings to compare favourably with those in the Imperial service. Consideration has been given to a scheme for the promotion of exceptional young New Zealand ratings to commissioned rank.