H—s

In addition, a minor refit was carried out on H.M.N.Z.S. " Achilles," whilst many other smaller vessels were refitted and repaired. The A/S M/S trawlers, " Waima," " Waipu," and " Waiho," were converted to danlayers, whilst " Arabis " and " Arbutus " were fitted out for mines weeping duties. 2. Equipment on 44 D.E.M.S. was repaired as necessary, and also minor work on 22 United States vessels was carried out. 3. The policy of refitting British Pacific Fleet vessels at Devonport caused considerable activity in the Base torpedo-store, which had also taken over the task of servicing all paravanes upon the closing down of Beach Road Paravane Depot. Dockyard Projects 4. Considerable progress hag been made towards completion of all major works, and the main building programme is nearing completion. Details of main projects are as follows :—■ (а) Boiler-shop.—Building completed and occupied in August, 1945. Machinery installation is still in hand and roading almost completed. (б) Breastwork. —Main construction has been completed. Fender piling and services are well advanced. (c) Fairmile Slipway.—The new Fairmile slipway was handed over by Public Works during the year and put into full operation. (d) Bulk Fuel and main concreting has been completed. (e) Electrical Reticulation. —Consequent upon the general extension of the Base, a complete overhaul of the electrical reticulation was commenced, involving ■ the erection and installation of four new substations and renewing the laying of additional cables. This work is now in hand, but completion is dependent upon receipt of machinery and materials from overseas. (/) Shoal Bay. —Phase C buildings have been completed, but full occupation is held up pending the completion of roading, drainage, and fittings. Roading and drainage for phase A and B are almost completed. (g) General.—The delay in completion of the Shoal Bay project has prevented the carrying-out of the full re-organization of the Dockyard. This entails — (1) Conversion of No. 1 store into (i) fitters' shop ; (ii) tool-room ; (iii) loan-toOl store. (2) No. 2 store into Base torpedo-store and workshop. 5. A new 10-ton electric luffing crane has been erected on the Calliope Wharf extension. A 3-ton steam crane has also been put into service on Calliope Jetty. Storage 6. The plan adopted for the transfer of all store accommodation from the south yard to the north yard has been delayed by at least nine months by delays in completion of the new store building at north yard. Stocks have increased considerably, due to the arrival of stores which have been on Order for many months, and due to the transfer of considerable reserves of stores to New Zealand by Admiralty to meet the possible requirements of British Pacific Fleet vessels. 7. These factors have led to serious congestion in all store spaces, which is now being relieved by disposal of surplus stocks and by the completion of new accommodation. In view of this, the vacating of leased storage space has been delayed, but private property is being released as early as possible by transfer of stocks to Government properties. SECTION XIV.—NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOTS Kauri Point, Auckland The volume of work has shown no decrease following the cessation of hostilities. Storage facilities will continue to be a problem until satisfactory arrangements can be made for the disposal of surplus and condemned stores.

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