NAVAL BUILDING

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21193, 16 August 1940, Page 2

NAVAL BUILDING

MINESWEEPING TRAWLERS

OPERATIONS IN AUCKLAND OTHER CENTRES LATER (By Telegraph.—special to Times) AUCKLAND, Thursday The Government programme for the construction of minesweeping trawlers is to be put under way in Auckland. This announcement was made by the Minister of Marine, the Hon. D. G. McMillan, who arrived at Auckland today to make the final arrangements. “A beginning is being made in Auckland because there is available here a supply of valuable secondhand equipment which will reduce very considerably the cost of trawler construction,” said Dr. McMillan yesterday. “However, there is no doubt that as the programme expands all parts of New Zealand where shipbuilding facilities exist will get their opportunity to assist.” The Minister added that in organising the work he was acting in association with the Minister oi Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, and a special committee consisting of the following:—Mr G. E. Breeze, chief surveyor of ships, Marine Department; Mr J. H. Narbeth, chief constructor, Devonport Naval Base; Mr F. P. Walsh, secretary of the Seamen’s Union; Mr G. H. Jackson, managing-director, Ford Motor Company of New Zealand, Limited. Mr Narbeth is a member of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors and holds an English B.Sc. degree. He is on loan to New Zealand from Britain.