AUSTRALIA’S NEW CRUISER.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 19 March 1927, Page 9

AUSTRALIA’S NEW CRUISER.

Launching in Scotland.

HANDY FIGHTING SHIP.

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright.

Australian and N.Z. Cabla Association

LONDON. March 17. Lady Cook to-day launched the new: cruiser Australia at Clydebank. Glasgow discarded its proverbial weather perverseness and provided almost an Australian spring day for the launching of the cruiser Australia, which with the Canberra, will provide the Commonwealth with two of the most modern instruments of naval warfare m southern waters. The Australia is a waspish, rakish vessel, 600 feet long, seeming ali forecastle and quarterdeck, each of which mount four eight-inch guns, with • twin turrets.

Every line connotes speed, and it will not be surprising if she exceeds 33 knots.

Good Wishes, Dam© Cook, at the stroke of twelve, dashed a bottle of Australian burgundy against the side as a christening. She pressed a button operating tlie electric rams, the cruiser quivered, and shot' off the down ways, to the accompaniment of the shrill cheers of • hundreds of school children—altogether one of the most , perfect launchings seen on the Clyde. Dame Cook said: “I name you Australia—God bless all who helped to - build you, those who sail in you, these interested in you in anywise. Ijpray your future may be prosperous.-’! Australia’s Navy. ■ . At th© lunch in honour of the launch, Lord Aberconway presided, and proposed “Success to Australia.” Sir Joseph Cook said that, when in obedience to the Washington decree our first Australia was sunk, he felt a twinge of regret. “Here we are again with another Australia.” When as Defence Minister in 1909 he moved the adoption of the scheme producing the Australian Navy, he stated that they must recognise their Imperial responsibilities and relieve Britain of some of her burden for their defence. It was alleged that the Dominions were not contributing sufficiently to the naval defence, but Auatral'a was spending £5,300,000 in 1927. which was IBs per head compared with Britain’s 245, showing that the Commonwealth was rapidly catching up, Mr Chatfield, acknowledging 7 the toasts of the Navy, in an outsp&kfcn speech, said Australia’s Navy effort was remarkable, and had the Admiralty’* whole-hearted support. The intarchange of ships was vital to the Imperial Navy unity, ensuring common training tactics and strategy. Scatter, ed units could not protect the trade routes unless the support of the mam fleet assured the bases and other factors of mobility for which reason the development of Singapore was essential