ROYAL TOUR ESCORT

Press, Volume CI, Issue 30007, 17 December 1962, Page 14

ROYAL TOUR ESCORT

Otago To Sail With Britannia IN2. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Dec. 16. The New Zealand frigate, Otago, will steam more than 4000 miles escorting the Royal yacht, Britannia, during the Royal visit next year, the Minister of Defence (Mr Eyre) said today. The Otago, commanded by Commander J. F. McKenzie, of Timaru, will meet the Britannia, carrying the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, at Lautoka, Fiji, on February 1.

From Lautoka the two ships would steam to Suva, and from there to Waitangi. Mr Eyre said. At Waitangi, the Otago would be joined by the cruiser, Royalist, the frigate, Rotoiti, the survey ship. Lachlan, and the three fisheryprotection motor launches, Paea, Nako and Danga. All would take part in the Treaty of Waitangi anniversary celebrations on February 6 to be attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The Royal naval ships. Tapir and Cook, will also participate. "The Otago, Rotoiti and Lachlan will escort the Royal yacht from Waitangi to Auckland and from there the Otago will continue for the remainder of the tour.’’ Mr Eyre said. In addition, naval motor launches, either from the fishery protection flotilla or the volunteer reserve will be on duty at Auckland. Wellington. Port Chalmers, Napier. Nelson, Tauranga and Picton.