DUKE'S FISHING TRIP.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1927, Page 6

DUKE'S FISHING TRIP.

RENOWN AT RUSSELL

TWO DAYS OF DEEP-SEA

SPORT.

PERFECT WEATHER PREVAILS

JPr Telograpb.— Own Correspondent.)

RUSSELL, this dar,

Russell was early astir this morning to welcome H.M.s. Renown, although it was a long-range wclc-ome, as the chosen anchorage was four miles to the west of the township, on a line between Tapeka Point and Robinson's Island.

The weather at Auckland was capricious on the arrival of the Duke and Duchess; the Northland's weather was the reverse. It was a perfect summer's morning, with brilliant sunshine and a calm sea. The big warship, as she slowly nosed her way in from the east, made a beautiful picture. Watching from the Hills. Russell was crowded overnight by visitors from all parts of Northland, and many people climbed to vantage points on the hills at the back of the township to catch the first glimpse of the warship, which is the largest vessel that has entered the bay. Many assembled at Oneroa (Long Beach), a crescent bay on the seaward side of Russell. Shortly after six o'clock the news was telephoned from Cape Brett that the big warship was steaming slowly north, and after an appreciable wait a*tripod mast showed tip behind the isle of Irapukapuka. A few moments later the long grey hull of the great battlecruiser was revealed against a background of blue sea. her topsides sparkling like burnished silver. Fishing Launches Ready. In a long wide curve the Renown headed towards the mainland, to vanish behind the intervening promontories as she again altered her course bcrore dropping anchor. It was the signal for the launch flotilla to converge, the official launches being in readiness to convey the Royal visitors to the biggame fishing grounds, located off Cape Brett, and about IS miles from Russell.

The day is perfect for ocean fishing, and is one of the calmest experienced this summer. This morning vast shoals of school fish are reported off the Cape, hovering flocks of sea birds indicating the presence of kahawai. In view of the fact that three swordfish were captured in the locality yesterday, 'Russell is confident that fortune will smile kindly on Royalty.