H.—S.

Section V.—Civilian Employees (H.M. Dockyard). 22. Civilian apprentices for various trades have continued their instruction at H.M. dockyard during the year. The largest number of employees on the books during the year was 506 (519) and the smallest number 210 (280). The average number employed was 414: (348). The corresponding figures for last yeaf are shown in brackets. 23. The work on the fitting out of the Union Steam Ship Co.'s vessel " Monowai " as an armed merchant cruiser and the conversion of trawlers for service as minesweepers was mainly responsible for the increase in the average number of men employed during the year. In some trades—namely, boilermakers, shipwrights, blacksmiths, and electricians —great difficulty was experienced in obtaining skilled tradesmen, and as a temporary measure a certain number of tradesmen were lent by the Railways Department. At one period during the year a total of 29 men were on loan —namely, 22 boilermakers, 3 blacksmiths, and 4 holders up. At the present time 9 men are on loan, being 7 boilermakers and 2 blacksmiths. 24. The supervisory staff of the dockyard has been strengthened during the year. Twenty-nine men formerly employed on a casual basis were transferred to the semi-permanent staff and 2 inspectors were also appointed, one for the Construction Department and one for the Engineering Department. A selected member of the electrical staff of the Public Works Department has been sent to England for comprehensive training in naval electrical work, and it is intended on completion of his training that this officer should take charge of the Electrical Department of the dockyard and relieve the inspector at present on loan from the Admiralty. Lieutenant (E) A. J. Lee, M.8.E., R.N., retired from the Royal Navy to take over the duties of foreman of the Engineering Department. 25. Further strengthening of the supervisory staff has become essential and is under consideration. Section Vl.—Proceedings of Cruisers of the New Zealand Naval Forces. H.M.B. "Achilles." 26. H.M.S. " Achilles " has been on service on the New Zealand Station during the year. The ship arrived at Auckland on 23rd February, 194.0, subsequent to the engagement with the German armoured ship " Admiral Graf Spee." 27. Shortly after her arrival at Auckland the ship was extensively refitted and leave was granted to the ship's company. On completion of the refit exercises were carried out in the Hauraki Gulf. 28. H.M.S. " Achilles " has since been employed on escort and patrol duties on the New Zealand . Station. H.M.S. " Leander." 29. H.M.S. " Leander " has been operating with units of the Royal Navy and has been employed on patrol and escort duties. 30. On 10th March, 1941, it was announced that a fast Italian ship, armed with four 4-7 inch guns and acting as a commerce raider, had been destroyed in the Indian Ocean by H.M.S. " Leander " (commanded by Captain R. H. Bevan, Royal Navy). The Italian ship was " Ratnb I," 3,667 tons, capable of a speed of 18| knots and owned by the Italian Government. She was flying the Red Ensign when intercepted, and on being ordered to stop hoisted the Italian colours and opened fire. H.M.S. " Leander " at once replied, and after she had fired five salvoes " Ramb I " struck her flag. Eleven officers and 89 men were picked by H.M.S. " Leander " and are now prisoners of war. " Ramb I " burned and sank about fifty minutes later. H.M.S. " Leander " sustained no damage or casualties. H.M.S. " Monowai." 31. The Government requisitioned the Union Steam Ship Co.'s vessel " Monowai," and she was fitted out as an armed merchant cruiser. The ship was commissioned on 30th August, 1940, with Acting Captain H. V. P. McClintock, Royal Navy, in command. 32. The fitting-out of the vessel was entirely satisfactory, and trials and exercises were completed by the end of October, 1940. 33. Since that date the ship has been employed on escort and patrol duties on the New Zealand Station. Section VII. —H.M.S. "Philomel." 34. H.M.S. " Philomel " continues to serve as a depot and training ship at Devonport, Auckland. Consequent on the commissioning of H.M.S. " Tamaki," which undertakes all disciplinary training, it has been possible to extend the technical training carried out in H.M.S. " Philomel." Section VIII. —H.M. Minesweepers. 35. Further minesweepers are being commissioned, and a mobile mincsweeping flotilla will be maintained for service in any port of New Zealand as required. 36. The minesweepers are manned partly by Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve personnel and partly by Mercantile Marine personnel. 37. These vessels have been employed continuously except for short periods while refitting. Section IX.—R.F.A. " Nucula." 38. R.F.A. " Nucula " continues to be employed as a storage hulk for oil fuel. The question of xe-employment of this oiler is at present receiving consideration.

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