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Station ;■ eighty-six were in H.M.S. " Dunedin " on passage to England (forty-one to undergo courses, and forty-five to serve in ships of the Imperial Navy in Home waters while awaiting the return of H.M.S. " Dunedin " to New Zealand), and four were already in England undergoing courses', &c. 8. In anticipation of requirements of men when the two cruisers will again be on the Station, recruiting was reopened during the year and eight stokers and one assistant cook were entered in September, 1930, and fifteen seamen boys during January, 1931. 9. The total wastage caused by invaliding, desertion, discharge by purchase, death, unsuitability, services no longer required, during the year was twenty-three. 10. The health and discipline of the ships' companies have continued to be satisfactory. 111. Naval Base. The improvements mentioned in my last report have continued, and the general appearance of the Base is now very good. Credit for this is largely due to Commander Nelson Clover, Boyal Navy, the late Naval Officer in Charge, who carried out his duties with great zeal and keenness. 2. The extension of the gun-mounting store has been completed, and a great improvement results. All mountings now stand separately, which greatly facilitates inspection. The building erected at the rear of this store for messing and washing accommodation for the base civil staff fully justifies the small expenditure involved. 3. New dockyard lavatories have been built in collaboration with the Auckland Harbour Board. They are very satisfactory. 4. The question of supplying electric power to ships when lying alongside at Sheerlegs Jetty, referred to in my last report, is still under consideration. 5. Due to financial stringency, it was decided to postpone the building of the naval barracks. 6. The three new magazines at Fort Takapuna referred to in my last report are in regular use, and are satisfactory. The office for the Armament Supply Officer allowed for in the estimates has been completed, and adds to the efficiency of the Armament Depot. New ventilators have been fitted to all magazines and are successful in preventing the accumulation of damp and improving the air-supply to the magazine. A few minor improvements have been made by the Armament Supply Officer, and I should again like to state that the efficient running of the establishment at Fort Takapuna reflects great credit on this officer (Lieutenant H. A. Haynes, R.N. (retired)) and his small staff. IV. Reserves. The total strength of the New Zealand Naval Reserves on 31st March, 1931, was — Royal Naval Reserve — Officers .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..7 Men .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..295 Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve — Officers .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..77 Men 558 2. The training of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve has continued throughout the year. Nine sections from the Auckland Division, five from the Wellington Division, five from the Otago Division, and three from the Canterbury Division have each been embarked in H.M. Trawler " Wakakura " for a week's training in mine-sweeping, gunnery, signalling, navigation, and seamanship. In addition, a certain number have carried out training in H.M. ships " Dunedin" and " Diomede." The latter ships also embarked from time to time Royal Naval Reserves and Royal Fleet Reserves for annual training. 3. I carried out inspections of all four divisions and their headquarters during the year, and consider that their efficiency is being well maintained. 4. The Wellington Division took part in the Anzac Day ceremonies. The appearance and marching of the men were very good and reflected great credit on all concerned. V. Proceedings. (A) H.M. Ships " Dunedin," " Diomede," " Veronica," " Laburnum." During April and May, 1930, H.M.S. " Dunedin " (wearing my broad pendant) was refitting at Auckland after her return from operations in Western Samoa. 2. The Imperial sloops " Veronica " (Commander Gerard W. T. Robertson, Royal Navy) and " Laburnum" (Commander Charles E. Hotham, D.S.C., Royal Navy) carried out their annual musketry course at Wellington during April, and took part in the Anzac Day ceremonies there. They returned to Auckland at the end of the month to dock and refit in preparation for their annual cruise in the Pacific Islands. 3. His Majesty the King's Birthday, 3rd June, was celebrated in Auckland by all ships in the Squadron dressing overall and firing a Royal Salute of twenty-one guns. 4. H.M.S. " Dunedin " carried out routine gunnery and torpedo exercises in the Hauraki Gulf with H.M.S. " Laburnum" from 6th to 21st June; aircraft from Hobsonville Seaplane Base co-operated in some of the practices, and towed a sleeve target for the high-angle firings, This was the first occasion on which a sleeve target had been used on the New Zealand Station.

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