NAVAL PROGRESS OF DOMINION

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22419, 4 June 1938, Page 8

NAVAL PROGRESS OF DOMINION

RETIRING COMMODORE’S REVIEW (PRESS ASSOCIATION .TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, June 3. A civic farewell was accorded to Rear-Admiral the Hon. E. R. Drummond at the Town Hall to-day. Replying to speeches, Rear-Admiral Drummond made a brief review of naval activities during his period of office. The New Zealand Division, he said, now possessed modern and escort vessels equal to the best in the Navy. The naval base was nearing the end of its reconstruction, and although small would have a wellequipped dock, equal to all emergencies. New Zealand was providing recruits- second to none. The personnel was increasing steadily, and tne object of having the station manned entirely by New Zealanders was being carried out. He mentioned the need for the replacement of the Philomel, which was "falling to pieces,’ by a new training ship. .... The commodore also paid tributes to the Government for its consideration of his suggestions for defence, to the work of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and to the people of the Dominion for their hospitality. He would return to renew many friendships he had established.