SQUADRON LEAVES

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 192, 9 May 1924, Page 8

SQUADRON LEAVES

IN THE GREY OF THE MORNING A STATELY PROCESSION There w'ore no frills about the departure of the Hood and Repulse yesterday morning. As per programme, ■the jolly Jack Tars were astir at 6 a.m., and three-quarters of an hour later, an hour before high tide, the Hood, under the control of Harbourmaster Dawson, drew out slowly from the Pipitea wharf, and commenced her departure from Lambton harbour. As the Hood made her way into tho rising mists off the harbour, and swung round until her bow pointed towards Day’s Bay, the Repulse glided out of her inside berth, and followed the flagship out into the grey of tho morning. Leaving her berth at 7.15 a.m.. H.M.A.S. Adelaide brought up the rear. So the vessels left Wellington harbour as they entered, it — a stately procession of fighting ships representing in no ordinary way the might of Britain upon the seas. Not many people viewed the departure of the boats. It was. a chilly morning—tho kind on which most people like to lie in bed for an extra hour. At Seatoun and Karaka Bay, and across tho harbour, many people flocked to see the big ships pass, but beyond a few fluttering handkerchiefs, arid an occasional flag a-wave, there was nothing in the way of a demonstration. “JACK” AND Y.M.C.A. LETTER FROM THE VICEADMIRAL. In connection with the services rendered by the Y.M.C.A. in co-opera-tion with the Government to. tho petty officers and men of the visiting squadron, the following letter has been received by the secretary of the Y.M.C.A. from Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick Field: “Dear Sir, —-"Will you please accept for yourself and convey to all associated with you my personal thanks for all that the Y.M.C.A. has done during the visit of the Special Service Squadron to Wellington. to enable the petty officers, noncommissioned officers, and men of the squadron to make a happy, comfortable, and enjoyable stay. The arrangements made for sleeping accommodation for the sliips’ companies on night leave were greatly appreciated, and I would also ask you to convey my thanks to tho ladies who attended daily to piovide teas for the men who visited the Y.M.C.A.. The Y.M.C.A. always comes to our assistance wherever the squadron goes, and I can assure you that your efforts have added greatly to the enjoyment of the visit.” CRUISERS LEAVE LYTTELTON REAR-ADMIRAL’S FAREWELL MESSAGE By Telegraph—-Press AssociationChristchurch, May 8. Lyttelton was a dismal looking place this morning at 5.30, when a handful of people ventured out in the pitch darkness and torrential rain to witness the departure of the cruisers of the Special Service Squadron. At two minutes past six the order came from the bridge, “let go forward,” and at 6.5 the Delhi, was steaming through the moles. No one ventured down to the see the departure of the vessel excepting the harbourmaster, pilot, and a number of Harbour Board employees. There was continuous rain during the whole of the proceedings. Ten minutes later tho Danae was following th© Delhi down the chajinel. Then "the Dragon left, and by 6.25 the three vessels were proceeding down the outer harbour In a farewell message to. the people of Canterbury, Rear-Admiral Brand says:—“On leaving Canterbury I would like to express my deep gratitude and thanks to all who have in any way contributed to the . very warm welcome and lavish hospitality that the officers and men of the squadron have received in . Christchurch, Lyttelton, and the neighbouring country. The resources of the country, the great similarity to England, the English ichisractei'istics of the people, and their great patriotism and loyalty to the Mother Country have macle a lasting impression on all of us. It will always be a matter of deep regret to us that wo are unable to make a longer stay in this beautiful country, and so be able in some .small measure to repay all the hospitality we have received, but we shall carry away with us the happiest memories of our visit. In saving good-bye. we wish all every happiness and prosperity.”

OTHER CRUISERS SAIL

TO-DAY

(BY TETjEGKAPH.— PP-VSS ASSOCIATION.) Dunedin, May 8.

H.TvLS. Dunedin will sail to-morrpw morning for Auckland direct. She will not now nick up H.M.S. Dauntless from Bluff, off Otago Heads, as previously planned, but both vessels will proceed independently, and will join off Auckland Harbour. ' About 800 children, members of the Naw Leaaue. were show over the vessel to-day, and a largo number of the public inspected her in the afternoon. A searchlight display was given tonight. The Mayor (Mr. H. Tapley) will be a passenger to Auckland as the guest of Captain Ramsay.