VISIT OF THE SQUADRON.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 13000, 31 December 1907, Page 8

VISIT OF THE SQUADRON.

ARRIVAL AT LYTTELTON

I A nutter of flags at tho eignal station yesterday evening announced tho approach of threo vessels of tho Australasian Squadron to Lyttelton Heads. Tho first to put in an appearance was the third-class cruiser H.M.S. Prometheus. She arrived inside tho breakwater at 7.30 p.m., and was berthed at the breastwork along tho ■western mole. Meanwhile H.M.B. Powerful, ihe flagship of Admiral Sir Wilmot Fawkes had entered the Heads,' in company •with H.M.S. Pegasus. With her smali consort steaming some distanco ahead, the great grey-painted vessel, -with her four funnels belching great volumes of black smoko, which coiled lasily up into the still evening air, came slowly up the harbour. Botli vessels anchored in mid-stream off Camp Bay shortly after sunset.

A "Press" reporter boarded the flagship shortly after she had come to. an anchorage, and in conversation with Mr Millar, secretary to his Excellency Admiral Sir Wilmot Fawkes, learned that the passage from Auckland had been a pleasant one. The three cruisers left Auckland at noon on Saturday, Sir Joseph Ward, the Prime Minister, travelling as the guest of Admiral Fawkes on board the flagship. Fine weather was experienced throughout the passage, which occupied 55 hours. A strong westerly wind was experienced when passing Cook Strait. <Mr Millar informed the reporter that, according to present" arrangements, H.M.S. Powerful will remain in local waters until January 20th, and during that time sho will make a call at Akaroa for gunnery and torpedo practice.

Leaving Lyttelton on January 20th, tho flagship will proceed to Wellington, arriving there next day. iShe will stop at Wellington until early in February, cfter which she will return to Sydney.

Admiral Poore, the newly-appointed Admiral on tho Australian station, will leave England for Australia ou January 19th by tho P. and O. steamer China, and will be mot at Melbourne by Admiral Sir Wilmot Fatvkes. The latter will there hand over command of the station to the new Admiral, and will return to England by the Orontes.

Admiral Sir Wilmot Fawkes has been appointed Commandor-in-Chief at Portsmouth—a very important and responsible position.

H.M.S. Pegasus will remain in Lyttelton for a few days, and then will probably go' to Port Chalmers. H.M.S. Pyramus is expected to arrivo at Lyttclton to-day from Sydney direct.

H/M.S. Challenger is at present refitting in the Calliope dock at Auckland. After completing her overhaul, the Challenger will rejoin the fleet at Wellington.