TRIP IN CRUISER.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20222, 5 February 1934, Page 1

TRIP IN CRUISER.

H.M.S. Sussex to Take Prince to Australia. EXCHANGE OF SHIPS. British Official Wireless. RUGBY, February 2. The United Kingdom Government has announced that H.M.S. Sussex will convey Prince George to Australia on the occasion'of his coming visit. At the same time the Government accepts the invitation of the Australian Gov-ernment;-to send cruisers to Melbourne for the centenary celebrations, and welcomes the proposal that the system of exchange of ships with the Australian Navy should be resumed. H.M.S. Sussex has been selected for this duty. It was recently hinted that the visit of Prince George to Australia would afford an opportunity for the return to the system of exchange of cruisers between the Royal Navy and Australian fleet. A London message to the “ Sydney . Sun ” said: Four vessels of the “ County class—which correspond in design with the Canberra and Australia—have been mentioned for the outward voyage. If this policy is decided upon, either the Canberra or the Australia will be commissioned for the return voyage. Four vessels of the County class, the London, Shropshire, Sussex and Devonshire, are at present with the Mediterranean fleet. Space for Dancing. They are all of 10.000 tons, with S-inch guns. Unless the exchange is of the approximate size and equipment' to that she is replacing, gunnery exercises and other routine would be disorganised. The “ County ” cruisers are particularly comfortable, with unusually good accommodation, because of their height of, roughly, 30 feet above waterline giving an abundance of space between decks, thus ensuring comfort in the tropics. The decks are roomy and the quarter-deck spacious and admirably suited fbr the holding of dances and receptions. •- The Royal Family has been watching with interest and amusement the manner in which Prince George has lately “ come out of his shell,” under the brotherly tutelage of the Prince of Wales. Although his bearing remains modest, he has gained self-assurance, and in contrast to his twenties, he is now at ease in all surroundings. ‘ Prince George is considered to be the most handsome Royal Prince in Europe. . . ,->