SLOOP SAILS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 186, 8 August 1935, Page 10

SLOOP SAILS.

MANY FAREWELLS

EX ROUTE FOR NOUMEA

As the syren on the Ferry Buildings announced five o'clock yesterday afternoon Commander P. A. C. 11. Aclelus gave the command, "Cast off!" and the French sloop Amiral Charner drew out from her berth at the Western wharf, after a week's stay in Auckland. A large crowd had assembled on the wharf some tyne before the departure, and there were many touching scenes between sailors and the "girls they left behind them." A number of representatives of local authorities, including Mr. C. G. Macindoe, chairman of the Harbour Board, Captain H. H. Sergeant, harbourmaster, and membeiT of the Consular Corps said farewell to the commander. The sloop made a fine sight as she steamed down the harbour, her graceful pale grey hull reflecting in the setting sun and the French tricolour fluttering gaily from the masthead. Half-way down the stream she slowed up to let the Rangitane precede her out of port, and the sloop appeared no larger than a pinnace beside the liner. The Amiral Charner is due at Noumea, New Caledonia, on Sunday, and, after visiting other Pacific islands, will proceed to the French China station at Saigon.