Major GUESTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the intentions of the Board of Admiralty as to the disposal of His Majesty's ship "Pioneer"?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Commonwealth Government are desirous of obtaining a vessel as gunnery tender for their naval depot at Williamstown, Victoria. The Board of Admiralty have felt justified in 65W assuming that Parliament would welcome an opportunity of affording this further assistance to the organisation and training of the Royal Australian Navy at its inception, and are therefore proposing to offer the "Pioneer," at present paid off in Reserve at Sydney, as a free gift to the Commonwealth, together with her guns and such stores as are incidental to the service for which she is required.