DOMINION WARSHIPS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 193, 29 May 1934, Page 3

DOMINION WARSHIPS.

MELBOURNE TO BE VISITED.

ESCORT FOR THE ROYAL DUKE. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, May 28. The two cruisers, of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy— H.M.S. Dunedin and H.M.S. Diomedo —will represent the Dominion at tho Melbourne centenary celebrations in October, according to advice received from the Minister of Defence (the Hon J. G-. Cobbe). The cruisers at present are in Auckland but will leave next month on their annual Island cruises, returning to Auckland early in August. Both the Dunedin and the Diomede may visit 'southern ports on their return from their Island cruises, but both will leave New Zealand for Hobart early in October. Between Hobart. and Melbourne the New Zealand cruisers will meet ships of the Royal Australian Navy, H.M.A.S. Canberra and H.M.A.S. Australia, and a destroyer flotilla, and will carry out- a series of strategical and tactical exercises similar -to those performed by the two squadrons in New Zealand waters last year. The Now Zealand cruisers will then act with the Australian warships in providing a royal escort .for H.M.S. Sussex with- the Duke of Gloucester on board on her arrival at Melbourne. The Dunedin and the Diomedo will ieniain in Melbourne for part of the centenary celebrations and will also visit Sydney before their return.. They will arrive back in Auckland about the middle of November in time to give-special leave to some of their ratings. It is expected that they will then leave for .Wellington to provide a royal escort for the Duke of Gloucester when ho arrives in New Zealand toward the middle of December.