FRIGATE ARRIVES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29657, 30 October 1961, Page 14

FRIGATE ARRIVES

Rain Spoils Welcome (HZ. Press 4ss<x.union) NEW PLYMOUTH. Oct 29. ‘1 am at a loss for words to thank you all for braving the elements to greet the ship," said Commander N D. Anderson on the bridge of the frigate, H.M.N.Z.S. Taranaki soon after her arrival on Saturday morning. The frigate, the latest addition to the New Zealand Navy, was making Port Taranaki her first New Zealand port of call on her delivery voyage from the United Kingdom. Commander Anderson’s words were directed at a crowd of nearly 2000 people who, in spite of driving rain and a chilling wind, had packed Motuma Wharf to welcome the ship. Heavy rain dampened the official welcome to the frigate and her company but did little to dampen the spirits of the crowd, many of whom had been at the wharf since before 7 a.m. Hundreds of men, women and children related to members of the ship’s company waited in a specially . reserved area Among them were a number of naval wives, brought to New Plymouth by the Navy to greet their husbands. Crashing seas prevented the Taranaki Harbour Board’s new pilot launch. Rawinia, from taking the Minister of Defence (Mr Eyre) and members of the New Zealand Naval Board to the ship before she berthed. The ship was officially welcomed to New Plymouth by Mr B Hutchen. chairman of the Taranaki Local Bodies' Association and the Mayor of New Plymouth (Mr A. G Honnor) Wives and families of the ersw were then allowed on board, but conditions became chaotic as hundreds surged on to the ship and finally police were given orders to allow all those who wanted to visit the ship to do so.