NAVAL DEFENCE.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18776, 26 October 1932, Page 9

NAVAL DEFENCE.

AUSTRALIAN FORCEB. ADELAIDE REFITTED. The refitting of the cruiser H.M.A.S. Adelaide, which underwent trials at Sydney recently, cost £BO.OOO. The vessel was overhauled from stem to stern,, and at her trials she showed herself able to steam at 25 knots an hour. She lias gone back again into reserve with a skeleton crew on board, says the Melbourne “Age.” In naval circles much interest had been displayed in the recent warning of Rear-Admiral Hyde and others concerning the state or our naval defences. Years ago, when there was no cloud on the sky of finance, let alone sign of a financial blizzard, an ambitious building programme was laid down for the Commonwealth. The present ocean-going squadron or two cruisers, a destroyer, and an aircraft carrier is a mere ghost, of that embryo fleet. Australia has, however, a number of vessels in reserve that have not entirely outlived their period of usefulness. It is true that such cruisers as the Adelaide would have no chance in an action against a modern cruiser of the same size, but she would still be able to administer a battering to some of the cruisers afloat, types slower or more lightly armed. " Although theoretically the practice of exchanging British and Australian cruisers is still it lias not been operated for some years owing to the cost, entailed to the Commonwealth. The exchange rate between the two countries would necessitate a dead loss to Australia of the extra amount required in pay Tor the crew of in Australian vessel with a British iquadron.