NAVAL DEFENCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 52, Issue 171, 3 May 1932, Page 6

NAVAL DEFENCE.

POLICY OF NEW ZEALAND.

REAR-ADMIRAL BLAKE’S ' SUPPORT.

(Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, May 2. Rear-Admiral Geoffrey Blake sails on his return to England by the Aorangi to-morrow. In giving up command or the New Zealand station, he said: “I find it very hard to convey to all my good friends throughout the Dominion nly and appreciation for the warm-hearted 1 kindness and hospitality which have been extended to mo in my official capacity. Civic authorities and Harbour Boards have welcomed my flagship in all ports which I have visited. [People from the surrounding districts have shown their appreciation of fjlio Nayy and their pride in the New Zealand Division by the number who have visited tho ships. “Having regarded it from every angle I am firmly convinced that the contribution which the people of New" Zealand give to Imperial naval defence is not only sound and economical, but best suited to the needs of the Dominion. This organisation, based on the advice given by Lord Jellicoe, aims at developing a sea sense in the youth of the country. At the present time 60 per cent, of the personnel who man the New Zealand Division are youno- New Zealanders. They have shown that they are fully capable* of rising to the. standard which is expected in the Royal Navy. It has been a great pride and pleasure to me to l command them, and they have given me on all occasions, by their loyal service, a feeling of confidence and reliance.” The cruiser-Dunedin, which returned to England early last year for ah extended refit and overhaul, will leave Chatham on June 2 and visit Gibraltar, Madeira, Jamaica, Balboa, the Galapagos, Nukuhiva, and Bora Bora on her way to Auckland. She is due here on August 2. The Dunedin will )>e commanded by Captain M. J. C. De Meric who, after bringing the Diomede out from England at the conclusion of her refit in 1930, returned to England in command of the Dunedin last year.

The slocms Veronica and Laburnum will leave Wellington for Auckland on May 14, arriving here on May 17 and go into dock for annual overhaul and repair preparatory to their Island cruises.