ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND NAVAL BOARD FOR THE PERIOD 1st APRIL, 1948, TO 31st MARCH, 1949

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1949 Session I, H-05

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1949 NEW ZEALAND

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND NAVAL BOARD FOR THE PERIOD 1st APRIL, 1948, TO 31st MARCH, 1949

Presented to Both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency the Governor-General

Navy Office, Wellington C.l, 9th June, 1949. The Hon. the Minister of Defence. Sir,We have the honour to address to you th§ following report of the Royal New Zealand Navy and proceedings on the New Zealand Station during the year Ist April, 1948, to 31st March, 1949.

CONTENTS Section - page I. State and Administration .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 11. General Survey of the Year .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 111. Personnel .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..31 IV. Welfare .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 V. Royal New Zealand Naval Reserves ... .. .. .. .. .. 3 |j VI. Civilian Staff and Dockyard Workmen .. .. .. .. .. 5 ! | VII. H.M.N.Z. Dockyard .. ~ .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 J Appendices I. State of the Navy at 31st March, 1949 .. .. .. .. 6 IT. R.N.Z.N. Movements During Year Ended 31st March, 1949 .. .. .. 7 111. State of Naval Personnel .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 IV, State of Civilian Staff . .. ~ ~ ~ 8

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SECTION I—STATE AND ADMINISTRATION The Navy Department is controlled by the Naval Board, established by the Naval Defence Amendment Act, 1936. 2. The Board consists of— The Minister of Defence (Chairman). A Captain, Royal Navy, with the rank of Commodore (as First Naval Member and Chief of Naval Staff). A Captain, Royal Navy (as Second Naval Member). A Commander (S), Royal Navy, with the acting rank of Captain (S), Royal Navy (as Naval Secretary). 3. A state of the Fleet as at 31st March, 1949, is attached as Appendix I. SECTION lI—GENERAL SURVEY OF THE YEAR 4. The main naval event of the year was the arrival of the first four frigates at Auckland on sth January, 1949. With their large radius of action, modern A/S armament, and good accommodation, these ships are a welcome addition to the New Zealand Squadron. Two further frigates are expected to reach New Zealand by the end of August. 5. Consequent on the arrival of the frigates, it has been decided to reconstitute the New Zealand Squadron, with the Commanding Officer, H.M.N.Z.S. " Bellona " as Senior Officer, as from 31st March, 1949. 6. Negotiations are proceeding for the purchase of a surveying ship in the United Kingdom. Construction will take about three years. In order to commence surveying as soon as possible it is hoped to obtain a surveying ship on loan from the Royal Australian Navy for a period of three years. 7. Other changes that have occurred during the year are — (a) The corvettes H.M.N.Z. Ships " Arabis " and " Arbutus," originally presented to New Zealand as a free gift from the United Kingdom, have been returned to the Royal Navy. They left New Zealand in April, 1948, with crews for the frigates, arriving in the United Kingdom in June. (b) Two 75 ft. tugs —-the " Arataki " and " Manawanui " —have been completed for service at Auckland. (c) The Wellington Harbour Board have intimated that they no longer require the Saint Class Tug " Toia," which they have held on loan from the Royal New Zealand Navy. There is no prospective naval use for the " Toia," and she is to be offered for sale by tender. (d) The Royal New Zealand Navy Headquarters in London has been renamed H.M.N.Z.S. " Maori." This was done at the request of the Admiralty as the existing name —H.M.N.Z.S. " Cook " —was causing confusion with the Royal Navy surveying ship of the same name. 8. Movements of ships have included a Pacific Islands cruise by H.M.N.Z.S. " Bellona " from June to August, 1948, during the course of which His Excellency the GovernorGeneral was embarked for a period, and visits by H.M.N.Z.S. " Bellona " and the frigates to New Zealand ports, ending in combined exercises during the month of March. Further details are given in Appendix 11. 9. No British or Commonwealth warships have visited New Zealand during the year. The postponement of the visit of His Majesty the King in H.M.S. " Vanguard " was a great disappointment. The French sloop "Dumont D'Urville " visited Auckland in May, 1948, „

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10. Duties undertaken outside the normal run of service routine include (а) Visits to service the meteorological stations on Raoul Island (Kermadec Group) and on Campbell Island. (б) The regular servicing of lighthouses in Hauraki Gulf. (c) Fishery-protection patrols by a motor-launch. (d) Demolition of underwater obstructions in Whakatane Harbour. SECTION lII—PERSONNEL 11. Comparative statements of numbers borne on 31st March, 1948, and 31st March, 1949, are shown in Appendix 111. 12. The re-entries include 33 ex-R.N.Z.N, ratings and 359 ex-R.N. ratings recruited in the United Kingdom. 13. The numbers of male candidates called for examination and rejected for various reasons in the past two years are shown below — 1948-49 1947-48 Called for examination .. .. .. 768 648 Rejected— Medically unfit . . .. 107 77 Dentally unfit .. .. .. 38 39 Educationally unfit .. .. .. 177 127 Other reasons .. .. .. .. 121 123 The numbers rejected on medical and educational grounds remain high. 14. The chief lack is a shortage of Petty Officers, particularly in the Seaman Branch. 15. A scheme for the entry of permanent Electrical Branch officers was inaugurated during the year, the first Cadet (L) being entered in January, 1949. The scheme of training comprises one year's preliminary naval training, three years at the National School of Engineering, Canterbury University College, and two years' practical training in naval electrical schools and electrical manufacturers' workshops in the United Kingdom. 16. The 23 Direct Entry Officers mainly comprise officers entered for short service in the Medical, Dental, Education, and Chaplain Branches. The first officer selected for naval Service in the Defence Scientific Corps joined the R.N.Z.N, in March, 1949. SECTION IV—WELFARE 17. Efforts are being made to overcome the housing difficulties of naval personnel, nine permanent and fourteen temporary housing units at Narrow Neck have been completed during the year and a further ten will be finished in the near future. Two housing units have also been completed at Cass Bay. Comprehensive plans are being prepared to house personnel wherever they may be stationed throughout New Zealand. 18. Recent additions to the recreational facilities available to personnel include— Provision of a Y.M.C.A. hut at H.M.N.Z.S. " Tamaki." Construction of additional facilities for sports at the Naval W/T Station, Waiouru. The inauguration of a scheme for the circulation of entertainment and educational films. SECTION V—NAVAL RESERVES Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserves 19. The four Divisions (Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago) commenced weekly drills and training late- in 1948. Recruiting has been satisfactory, and a good type of volunteer has come forward, including a number of pre-war, and so experienced, R.N.Z.N. V.R. ratings.

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20. The strength of the Divisions on 31st March, 1949, was as follows: —

As stated in the last annual report, recruiting has for the moment been confined to half-strength to ensure that a number of experienced men are available in each Division when the current four-year period of enrolment expires. 21. The Canterbury and Otago Divisions have taken delivery of their motor-launches, and these have proved a valuable incentive to recruiting besides being utilized for putting into practice the theoretical training learnt at evening parades at headquarters. 22. Approximately 5 officers and 90 men went to sea in ships of the squadron during March for one week's sea training. 23. The Government has approved payment to officers and men for attendance at drills of one day's pay for each six hours' training. In addition,, actual traVeilingexpenses from place of residence to headquarters will be refunded. 24. Inquiries have been received as to the possibility of starting Reserve Divisions at places other than the four main centres. Shortage of experienced instructors at present precludes an increase in the number of Divisions, but the situation will be reviewed when the manning situation eases. Royal New Zealand Naval Reserve 25. The R.N.Z.N.R. comprised 12 officers and 191 ratings on 31st March, 1949. Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve 26. The R.N.Z.N.Y.S.R. comprises officers who held temporary commissions in the Navy or Reserves during the late war, and who wish to maintain their connection with the naval service. No training is carried out in peacetime, but members state they are prepared to be called up for the naval service under a Royal Proclamation in the event of emergency. On 31st March, 1949, there were 239 officers on the list. Royal New Zealand Naval Emergency Reserve 27. During the year an Emergency Reserve was formed, similar to the Supplementary Reserve, but open to ratings. By 31st March, 1949, 72 men and women had enrolled —a disappointing response in view of the large number of discharged naval ratings who are eligible to join. Navy League Sea Cadets 28. Although not part of the official Reserves, the Sea Cadet movement is officially recognized by the Naval Board and assistance is afforded whenever possible. Assistance during the past year has included training in H.M.N.Z.S. " Black Prince " and at the annual summer camps.

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Officers. Ratings. Establishment. Borne. Establishment. Borne. Auckland Wellington .. .. Canterbury - Otago 33 33 28 28 21 11 14 13 240 240 180 180 88 73 . 83 85 Totals 122 59 840 329

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Sea Scouts and Rangeks 29. Assistance has been given where possible in the form of naval instruction and organized visits to ships. SECTION TI—CIVILIAN!STAFF 30. The effects of defence policy as far as naval commitments are concerned have now enabled a clearer picture of civilian staff requirements to be established. The staffing position has been under constant review and, with the collaboration of the Public Service Commission and detailed investigations by their Inspectors, considerable progress has been made in establishing permanent complements where requirements are definitely known. This has the effect of giving a more balanced organization and, in clarifying promotion prospects, improves the morale of the staff by removing the uncertainties which have existed# for some time past. 31. The general difficulty in maintaining suitably trained staff, both in the clerical and trades groups, continues as in other Departments and industries. Staffs in all groups have now reached the point where further losses result in a decrease in over-all efficiency. Deficiencies in certain branches have become. more apparent since the commissioning of the frigates. 32. Apprentices —During the year 21 apprentices were entered in the various trades ; two vacancies only were not filled, those of sailmaker and rigger. It is still found that, even though they now have the benefit of permanent staff status, a number of apprentices are lost to the Dockyard on completion of training owing to the attraction of higher wages outside. 33. Dockyard Workers' Wages Agreement.--The 1947-49 agreement expired on 31st March, 1949. Negotiations are proceeding with the unions representing the Dockyard workmen, and the Public Service Commission as the employing authority, for dealing' with the claims for a new agreement, which will presumably require to be ratified by the newly-appointed Government Services Tribunal. 34. Comparative figures of civilian staffs at Wellington and Auckland are shown in Appendix IV. SECTION VII—H.M.N.Z. DOCKYARD AND NAVAL BASE DOCKYARD WORK 35. Naval Vessels. —Work, varying from major refits to minor repairs, was carried out on all of H.M.N.Z. ships, launches, and miscellaneous craft. The arrival of four frigates in January, 1949, after their 14,000-mile passage from England caused a considerable increase in repair requirements. 36. Vessels Belonging to Other Government Departments.—Vessels refitted on behalf of other Government Departments included—- " Matai ", " Ikatere " : Marine Department, " Maui Pomare " : Island Territories Department, " Alpha " : State Forest Service, " Duchess," " Golden Hind," " Rehutai " : Works Department, and miscellaneous small craft for Civil Aviation, Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force. Work was also carried out on a French ship on behalf of the French Government. 37. General Work.—The usual routine maintenance of Dockyard buildings, installation, and plant was completed, together with the manufacture, inspection, and repair of various items of naval stores. 38. Work for Other Government Departments.—Side by side with the naval work, 440 jobs, valued at £57,559, were completed for other Government Departments. The largest item was the construction of two head towers for the Maraetai hydro-electric scheme.

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39. Work for Private Individuals or Firms. —A total of 60 jobs which could not be undertaken elsewhere in New Zealand were completed for private individuals or firms to a value of £5,720. 40. Oil-fuel Installations.—Naval oil-tanks are, under agreement, being used to store furnace and Diesel fuel oil for the British Petroleum Co. of New Zealand, Ltd., and the Department's oil-barge is used to deliver fuel as required. 41. Stores.—The storage of the various items of n'aval, armament, and other stores required by the R.N.Z.N. is satisfactory, and adequate stocks are held. G. T. Millett, Naval Secretary and Member, New Zealand Naval Board. J. G. Hewitj, (Japtain, R.N., Second Naval Member, New Zealand Naval Board. Geo. W. G. Simpson, First Naval Member, New Zealand Naval Board.

APPENDIX I.—STATE OF THE NAVY AT 31st MARCH, 1949 In Commission " Bellona " .. .. Cruiser. " Taupo " .. .. " Puk;aki " " Kaniere " .. ..it,. , " Hawea" .. ..frigate. " Rotoiti" .. ... i " Tutira " .. .. .. J " Kiwi " .. .. Trawler (training ship). Eight motor-launches .. Fishery-protection, training, and harbour duties, and R.N.Z.N.V.R. Divisions. " Hipi " .. .. .. "1 " Arataki" .. .. J>-Tug. " Manawanui " .. .. j "Endeavour" .. .. ] "Tu Atu " .. .. I v t n ££ n > Yard Craft. .. • * i and Miscellaneous minor vessels J " Philomel " .. . . Depot Auckland. Responsible for recruiting, drafting, and discharge of personnel of the Royal New Zealand Navy, also for the training of the various technical branches. " Philomel II " .. .. Navy Office, Wellington. " Tamaki " . . . . New Entry Training Establishment, Auckland. Responsible for the basic training of all new entries. Naval W/T Station, Waiouru. " Maori " .. .. .. R.N.Z.N. Headquarters, London.

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In Reserve " Black Prince" .. . . Cruiser. . "Tui" "1 " Killegray " " Inchkeith " " Scarba " .. .. .. J>A/S M/S trawlers. " Sanda " .. " Hinau " .. "Eimu" .. .. ..J " Claymore " .. .. Boom-defence-vessel. " Tasman " .. . . Torpedo and Anti-submarine School and Naval Base, Lyttelton. APPENDIX lI.—R.N.Z.N. MOVEMENTS DURING YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1949 <£ Bellona April-May . . . . Tarakohe, New Plymouth, Pelorus Sound, Wellington, Bay of Islands, Hauraki Gulf, Motuihi Island (" Tamaki"). June-August . . . . Pacific Islands' cruise, visiting Suva, Nukualofa, Islands^ of the Lower Cook Group, Niue, Samoa, the Tokelau and Fiji Groups. (His Excellency the GovernorGeneral of New Zealand, Lady Freyberg, and staff were embarked at Suva on 22nd July. His Excellency the Governor of Fiji was embarked on 27th July for the remainder of the cruise in Fijian waters.) October-December .. Hauraki Gulf, Motuihi Island (" Tamaki "), Gisborne, Picton, Nelson, Wellington, Lyttelton, Akaroa, Oamaru, Timaru, and Napier. February-March .. Russell, Whangaroa, Southland Sounds, Bluff, Dunedin, Wellington, Akaroa, and New Plymouth. " Arabis " and " Arbutus " April-June .. . . Sydney, Cairns, Darwin, Singapore, Colombo, Aden, Suez, Port Said, Benghazi, Malta, Gibraltar, Portsmouth. " Taupo," " Pukaki," " Kaniere," and " Hawea October-January .. United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Malta, Port Said, Suez, Aden, Colombo, Fremantle, Auckland. March .. .. Akaroa, Wellington. " Taupo " March .. .. Picton, Tauranga. " Pukaki March .. .. Timaru, Napier. " Kaniere " March .. . . Dunedin, Greymouth, Westport. Hawea " March .. .. ' Apia, Dunedin, Bluff. " Kiwi" — April-August .. .. Lyttelton, Wellington. November-December .. Wellington, Lyttelton, Dunedin, Campbell Island, Wellington. February-March .. Hauraki Gulf, Doubtless Bay, Akaroa, Raoul Island (Kermadec Group).

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APPENDIX III. STATE OF NAVAL PERSONNEL Officers

Ratings

APPENDIX IV.—STATE OF CIVILIAN STAFF Table A. —Numbers of Civilian Staff as at 31st March Over the Period of the Last Ten Years

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— R.N.Z!N. R.N. W.R.ST.Z.N.S. Figures at 1st April, 1948 Direct Entries Promotions from Lower Deck On loan from R.N. 114 23 13 36 37 2 Discharges .. .. 150 5 73 15 2 Figures at 31st March, 1949 145 58 2 _J Total .. .. .. & Ox '

■ It.N.Z.N. | K.N. W.R.N.Z.N.S. Figures at 1st April, 1948 Entries Re-entries of Naval Ratings .. Loan from R.N. Discharges Figures at 31st March, 1949 .. :. Total 1,33.6 253 392 133 13 36 63 1,981 125 . 146 19 99 19 1,856 127 80 2,063 Officers and ratings combined total 2,268.

Navy Office. Auckland. Year. Male. Male. Female. Total. Female. Total. Clerical. General. 1940 18 50 £ 68 27 30 6 63 1941 27 72 ft 99 28 68 30 126 1942 45 124 i 169 31 95 77 203 1943 59 . 229 4 288 35 110 113 258 1944 57 232 $. 289 40 154 126 320 1945 50 221 271 55 179 136 370 1946 49 ' 145 194 67 191 106 364 1947 43 107 150 79 167 74 320 1948 48 79 *127 72 229 64 365 1949 40 78 118 59 1 300 61 420

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Table B.—Public Service Staff Turnover for Year Ended 31st March, 1949

Table C.—Civilian Workmen Employed in the Dockyard Under Public Service Regulation 150: Average Numbers Over Past Six Years

There was a high turnover in the numbers of casual workmen employed, the figure being 57 per cent. Table D. —A Comparative Statement of Annual Wages Paid to Civilian Workmen £ £ 1942 .. .. 231,446 1946 .. .. 211,696 1943 .. .. 233,991 1947 .. .. 157,838 1944 .. .. 243,625 1948 .. .. 157,403 1945 .. .. 214,500 1949 .. .. 143,666

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (653 copies), £26 10s.

By Authority: E. E. Owen, Government Printer, Wellington. —1949. Price 6d.]

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Navy Office. Auckland. Male. Female. Total. Male. Female. Total. Appointments 3 24 27 99 27 126 Resignations 5 24 29 44 30 74 Transfers 6 1 7 5 1 6 Services terminated 1 . 1 f> 1 3 Secondment ceased Lent .. . . 1 1 "2 Deaths 1 1 1 1 Extended leave 4 17 21 1 1

— 1948-49. 1947-48. 1946-47. 1945-46. 1944-45. 1943-44. April 399 468 453 587 488 503 May 395 481 451 564 468 509 June 392 493 447 563 459 501 July 386 495 449 553 445 498 August .. .. 392 491 473 - 554 461 495 September 396 486 474 526 454 509 October 405 462 464 484 457 506 November 411 451 466 504 485 492 December 405 449 463 508 503 489 J anuary 407 404 465 446 480 467 February 400 410 465 468 509 511 March 400 405 472 454 584 502 Yearly average 399 458 462 517 486 498