AT GIBRALTAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 204, 29 August 1934, Page 7

AT GIBRALTAR.

SUSSEX IN WAITING.

Cruiser Ready for Embarkation

Of Duke.

PROCEEDS TO MARSEILLES

(United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

(Received 12.30 p.m.) GIBRALTAR, August 28.

"Good-bye Sussex. Good Luck," has been flagged, semaphored and morsed a dozen times since the cruiser left Sheerness in a blaze of summer brilliance, which was unbroken all the way here, where the finishing touches will be imparted in the next seven days for the embarkation at Marseilles on September 5, «of the Duke of Gloucester on his tour of Australia and New Zealand.

The Royal barge, resplendent in Royal blue aiid grey, is tucked away on the starboard main deck in readiness for tho Duke to commence his odyssey, and tho ship's company is enthusiastic to ensure that the first episode is impres-

If the truth bo told the Sussex could have been commissioned thrice over, so numerous were volunteers for this memorable undertaking for which the whole ship is keyed to the highest pitch. Captain S. S. Bonham-Carter has a splendid personnel, while the Sussex herself is tho possessor of efficiency trophies that will show Australia the Fleet traditions at their best.

The present plans, dependent on the weather, are:—Anchorage outside the mole at Marseilles. The Duke and his staff to come off at 9.30 incognito.

Ceremonial will be delayed till outside the territorial limit, when the Duke's standard will be broken at the masthead, a Royal salute fired and the Union Jack run up. A guard of honour will be mounted on the quarter deck, after which an inspection of the ship will be made.

The Duke of Gloucester will occupy the captain's quarters, in which is hung a collection of dainty water-colours acquired by the Duko on Iris recent visit to Belfast. The quarters are simply furnished with an eye to comfort and are a tribute to Mrs. Bonham-Carter's good taste.

Tho ship is already in direct touch with Australia, and news bulletins are circulating daily and are being eagerly scanned, especially their references to tho Centenary celebrations.

The first thrill of the trip came at 11 o'clock last night when the Strathaird disseminated an S.O.S. sent out by the Spanish, freighter Flora in distress five miles north of Cape St. Vincent. The Sussex had been leisurely steaming to make Gibraltar early in the morning and swung around and speeded for a couple of hours at 20 knots to succour the Flora, but the Cadiz advised that the Flora had beached and was awash at St. Vincent.

The Strathaird wirelessed that there was no sign of boats, and the Sussex resumed her voyage.