BRITISH SQUADRON

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 177, 21 April 1924, Page 6

BRITISH SQUADRON

HOOD AND REPULSE HEADING FOR WELLINGTON (BY TELEGBAPH.-PBESS ASSOCIATION.) Copyright. (Roc. April 20, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, April 20. The British squadron’s visit to Sydney practically ended last night, and the oity will now haul down its decorations and dressing of bunting which have been in evidence since the ships’ arrival. Favoured with fine weather, the personnel had a busy time with social functions and sight-seeing, combined with much official business and hard work in connection with fleet matters. Great crowds visited tho ships. Generally, the visit created an excellent impression, 'noth as regards Britain’s sea powar as represented by the squadron ami its personnel. The Australian cruiser Adelaide left with H-M.S. Hood and Repulse, at 7 o’clock this morning for Wellington, and is to become part of the special squadron during the remainder of the cruise. The lightcruiser squadron, except tho Dragon, will return to Sydney from Brisbane on Tuesday ami will depart for New Zealand on Thursday. The Dragon will remain at Brisbane till Thursday, when she will sail to join up with the remainder of the light cruiser squadron cn route to New Zealand.

Speaking at the Government’s farewell dinner to the fleet at Parliament House, Admiral Field expressed thanks fo> Sydney’s magnificent reception. He declared that the Empire could not exist without adequate sea power, and impressed on his hearers the need for Australia doing her part in naval defence. He paid a tribute to the Australian Navy, declaring, “So far as I can sec, there is no difference between thorn and us.” —Press Assn. TRAGEDY AT BRISBANE. Brisbane, April 19. A tragedy marked the visit of the light cruiser squadron. A seaman from the Dauntless fell overboard after returning to the ship from shore leave, and was drowned. —Press Assn.