H.M.A.S. MELBOURNE

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 22, 27 January 1922, Page 2

H.M.A.S. MELBOURNE

AWAY TO-MORROW MORNING. VISITORS INSPECT SHIP TO-DAY. CLEANING L'P OF A CRUISER. H.M.A.s. Melbourne will conclude her brief visit to Auckland to-morrow morning at ti -o'clock, when she will sail for Wellington. j Coaling operations did not conclude until 7 o'clock last evening, after which the warship presented that indescribable appearance which can only be adequately described ill the language of those wiio have taken part in the dirtiest job known to the Navy. This morning all hands were turned-to for the task of cleaning ship. From keel to truck, and stem to stern, hose*, ; brooms and brushes were in rapid mo|tion in preparation to make the cruiser i presentable in the eyes of the numerous I visitors that came aboard to inspect j this 'Jne unit of the Australian Navy, i and in a few hours' time the dust'.ioegrimed vessel was transformed into [ a model of spick appearance, showing I only a few signs of the seas that had ; battered her when she rushed at 23 knots per hour into a head gale to the rescue of the crew of the H. B. Sterling. Tnis last sign of the stress through which the cruiser was driven will be obliterated by paint brush on : the run down the coast, provided that the weather permits of the job. This afternoon the Melbourne was cleaJi, dry and flag-be-decked. "Congratulations," said an astonished spectator to the smart officer supervising. However did you do it?" "It's a way we have in the Navy," said the officer, smiling easily. This afternoon crowds of people were streaming along the approaches to the Central wharf to board the cruiser so thoughtfully thrown open for their inspection. They literally flooded the decks, but found willing escorts to show them over the ship and answer the innumerable questions they asked. No part of the ship seemed sacred to them, and if there ware parts they simply could not he allowed to see. they were apparently contented with the ready, if ingenious, description of those forbidden places supplied by the ready Jack Tars, to whom no question seemed to go amiss. Altogether the visitors had an enjoyable and instructive, if somewhat crowded, experience, and departed much Wiser than they came aboard, with a genuine appreciation of the ship and the encyclopaedic qualities of her company. And not a few of the ladies departed with understandings of future correspondence with some of the likely lads who showed them over Ihe ship. It seems as though not the least among the benefits of the cruiser's visit will be the extra revenue to accrue to the Postal Department. This apparently will be swelled by every New Zealand port. Kcar Admiral Dumaresq, Commander Ward-Hunt, and another officer of H.M.A.*. Melbourne left by the Rotorua express to-day for the Thermal Spring district. They will motor to Taupo on Saturday evening, and on Sunday will visit Wairakei in the morning, and in the afternoon they will fish in the lake. On Sunday night they will motor to Napier, and leave there by the express to arrive in Wellington on Monday evening. The officers, will rejoin the Melbourne at the port of tho capital. Captain Harris wrote as follows: — Rear-Admiral Dumaresq,—Dear Sir,—-It is almost impossible for mc to find words in which to express to you and to the officers and members of the crew of the Mei'bourne the deep gratitude that I and the officers and members of the crew of the Helen B. Sterling feel for our rescue from what, without your timely assistance, would have been a watery grave. Not only are we greatly indebted to you in this, -but you added to our indebtedness by the kind and courteous treatment received while on board the Melbourne en route to Auckland, every assistance being shown us in such a kindly way that is deeply warmed our hearts in those hours of depression following our rescue. Assuring you that the memory of the deeds of the Melbourne will aTways live in our hearts and minds." To this the Admiral replied:—Dear Captain Harris. Thank you very much for your kind letter of 26th, which I can assure you is very much appreciated by all on board. We were only too glad to do everything in our power for brother seamen in distress and more particularly for an American cousin. I fee! sure that in the future everything w>ll go well with you as you have had your full share of misfortune." The crew of the H. B. Sterling to-day addressed the following letter to the Admiral, commander and crew of H.M.A.S. Melbourne:—'We. the undersigned seamen of the ill-fated American schooner H. R. Sterling, take, before the departure of H.M.A.s. Melbourne, the opportunity of expressing our great gratitude to the officers and ratings of the above-named warship. We, as a collective body, jare well aware that only by the proximity of H-M.A. warship and the effort of her crew that re are to-day members of the New Zealand community. We also thank the officers and men for the collection made on our behalf, and we sincerely tru-'t that soma higher authority will recognise H.M.A-s. Melbourne for her very efficient handling of a critical situation. We also wish to extend our grateful thanks to the boat's crew and the Commander in charge: — (Signed) A. R. Bucclcugh. M.M., steward; S. Yates, A.8.; J. Bourke,»A.B.; G. Campbell, A.8.; F. Ohllson, A.8.; F. Evans, A.8.: J. Allan, A.8.: T. Gallagher, apprentice; J. Ibbitson, apprentice, A. Newick, apprentice; F. Benton, cabin boy; Francis F. Shaw, wireless operator." A ball will be held on the quarter-deck of the Melbourne to-night, and the cruiser is due to leave the wharf at 6 a.m. to-morrow. After leaving New Zealand, the Melbourne will proceed via Hobart, to Melbourne, where the crew will take part in a naval review soon after their arrival.