N.Z. DIVISION OF ROYAL NAVY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22414, 30 May 1938, Page 8

N.Z. DIVISION OF ROYAL NAVY

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS REPORTED FAREWELL PRESENTATION TO RETIRING COMMODORE (fuss tSSOCIATTOK TEUGUX.) AUCKLAND, May 29. Satisfaction with the continued progress made by the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy was exnressed by the retiring Commodore, Rear-Admiral the Hon. E. R. Drummond, at a farewell gathering given in his honour on Saturday night by the Ex-Royal Naval Men’s Association in Auckland. An apology forafcsence was received from the Minister for Defence (the Hon. F. Jones). “Our naval personnel has won, and has always maintained, the highest reputation,” Rear-Admiral Drummond said, “and I am glad to be able to tell you that the men of the New Zealand Division are keeping up that reputation. We are getting a very good type of recruit and are progressing very well toward . our objective of having a division manned entirely by New Zealanders.” The Royal Naval Volunteer, Reserve was also proving a great adjunct, Rear-Admiral Drummond added. The various divisions were highly efficient, and great credit was due to those who gave up so much of their-leisure to assist in the defence of their country. The Mayor of Auckland (Sir Ernest Davis) had recently emphasised the importance of coastal shipping in time of war, and full consideration was being given to the provision of ships and the training of personnel. It had to be realised that in war time merchant shipping would have to be intensively armed.* “I am leaving this country with very much regret,” Rear-Admiral Drummond concluded. "Although my official connexion with New Zea-' land will be severed, I can assure you the personal link will remain, as I most certainly intend to come back again.” During the evening Rear-Admiral Drummond was presented with a table napkin ring in silver, bearing the badge of the Auckland association.