§ 11. Major ARCHER-SHEEasked whether H.M.S. "Psyche" has recently been refitted at Sydney Dockyard; and, if so, what has been the amount spent on her refit during the last financial year and (luring the present financial year?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThis ship was taken in hand for repairs at Sydney on 13th April last, and completed on 27th July, at a total cost of £4,766. The cost of repairs carried out during the whole of the financial year 1911–12 was £2,066.
12. Major ARCHEE-SHEEasked what was the amount of coal consumed by His Majesty's ship "Psyche" on her voyage in company with His Majesty's ships "Pioneer" and "Pyramus" to Colombo in August and September, 1911, and what was the amount of coal consumed by the "Pioneer" and "Pyramus," respectively, on the same voyage?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe information asked for is as follows:—
I am informed that the smaller consumption of the "Pioneer" is probably accounted for by the fact that her engines are of a later type than those of the "Psyche" and "Pyramus," and that the "Pioneer" was lighter during the voyage than either of the other two ships.
"Psyche" … … 1,153 tons. "Pioneer" … … 921 tons. "Pyramus" … … 1,138 tons.
§ 13. Major ARCHER-SHEEasked whether His Majesty's ships "Psyche," "Pyramus," "Pioneer." and "Cambrian," were sent from Colombo to recommission for the Australian station in September, 1911; and whether, after recommissioning, three of these ships were sent back to the Australian station across the Great Australian Bight, whereas one of them was sent rid Torres Strait, owing to her not being in a thoroughly seaworthy condition?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am informed that the "Cambrian" returned from Colombo on this occasion viâ Fremantle and Adelaide. The three other ships all returned viâ Thursday Island, as is the practice with vessels of this class, owing to the length of the voyage from Colombo to Fremantle.