EXCHANGE OF VISITS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 66, 19 March 1938, Page 12

EXCHANGE OF VISITS.

NAVAL OFFICER'S IDEA. ■ F AUSTRALIA AND DOMINION. A more definite arrangement for an exchange of visits between units of the two divisions is one;result expected of the recent cruise to Australia of the two New Zealand warships, the Achilles, which returned to. Auckland yesterday, and the Leander. The suggestion, it is understood, would be..welcomed by the naval officers of both countries. If Australian ships are unable to make a cruise to the Dominion next year, it is practically certain that the Commonwealth will be represented at New Zealand's centenary celebrations in 1040. It is expected also, although no definite arrangements have yet been made, that the United States will be invited to be represented by naval units at the centenary celebrations. A suggestion to the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, that the popularity of the recent visit of the Louisville warranted such a move was welcomed by the Minister, who said a decision would Imve to be made by the Government.

The Achilles brought back with her yesterday good wishes from representative Australians. Officers were also imprefiscd with the value of the combined manoeuvres carried out by units of the Australian Naval and Air Force squadrons, in company with the Achilles and Lcander to determine the best method of protecting merchant shipping in the Tnsman Sea during wartime. After leaving Australia the Achilles visited southern ports in New Zealand and on Tuesday morning she will leave Auckland again for Russell.' From there she will f»o to Wellington for almost three weeks before coming back to the Hauraki Gulf for divisional exercises. She is due to return to Auckland in company with the Leander on April 28.