FOR OUR DEFENCE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2916, 30 July 1925, Page 2

FOR OUR DEFENCE

DIOMEDE A REIVES AT END OF

YEAR. Sixty-lwo New Zealanders euh>!cd in the Navy during the twelve months up to March 31sl last. Thirty men left, the service. Six were dismissed IS deserted, 5 were invalided and tl bought themselves

cut. A total of 82 men entered the Koval Naval Reserve.

The Naval defence sinking fund stands at £870,370 19/5, and a certilicate to this effect was laid upon the table of the House yesterday. The money is invested as part of the common fund of the Public Trust Ulliee.

"lit January, 1!)25, a definite offer was made by the Imperial Government of the loan of the cruiser Diomede, as the second cruiser of the New Zealand Division,” states the- Commodore commanding. "The offer was accepted and it is expected that this ship will he commissioned about October Ist, and will reach the Dominion at the end of the year. H.M.S. Diomede is one of the latest types of cruiser built, and has completed one com-mis.-don on the Chinese station. She is very similar to ID ADS Dunedin. The addition of this vessel to the New Zealand Division will, in my opinion, lie of great advantage, as in addition to strengthening the naval forces of the station, the advent of a second cruiser will be invaluable in increasing efficiency by promoting competition between the two vessels of this class. I understand that. H.AI.S Diomede will he commanded by Captain J. S. M. Ritchie, K.N., who is a native of the Dominion.”