FASTEST WARSHIP

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 942, 8 April 1930, Page 9

FASTEST WARSHIP

MUSSOLINI’S CRUISER DOES 41.5 KNOTS ITALY’S FLEET EFFICIENCY Reed. 9.5 a.m. ROME, Monday. During the speed trials of a new 2,000-ton scout cruiser, the Nikolos Alderecco, off Ancona, she registered 41.5 knots. This is a world’s record. Eight cruisers of the same type already are in commission in conformity with Signor Mussolini’s plan to specialise in a light, mobile and highpowered Mediterranean fleet. On April 27 four new cruisers and one submarine are to be launched. AMERICA’S PROGRAMME Reed. 10.40 a.m. WASHINGTON, Mon. The Navy would be authorised to proceed immediately with a construction programme costing more than £2,000,000 under a Bill passed by the Senate on Monday and sent to the House of Representatives. AUSTRALIAN NAVY CUT MELBOURNE, Monday. Further heavy naval economies are to be effected by the Defence Department. Probably they will result in a saving of £700,000. The only ships to remain in commission are the cruisers Australia and Canberra, the aircraft-carrier Albatross and one destroyer—the Success. The destroyer Huon is to be sunk by gun-fire. It is estimated 20 per cent, of the clerical staff of the department will be dismissed.