AUSTRALIAN NAVAL SQUADRON

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 175, 21 April 1937, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN NAVAL SQUADRON

Return Voyage Begins To-day By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, April 20. Led by the destroyers, the Australian naval squadron will leave Auckland to-morrow morning on its return voyage across the Tasman. The officers and men of all six ships unite in describing their New Zealand cruise as an outstanding success from start to finish and in expressing deep gratitude for the hospitality extended to them. There was another busy (lay in th? squadron to-day. The round of entertainments and sports fixtures ashore was maintained, the most notable event being a Rugby match between the Australian squadron and the New Zealand division of the Navy. This was won by New Zealand by 14 points to 12. During the afternoon a large number of invited guests visited the Canberra, where an “at home” was given by the officers. During the morning a conference was held on board the Canberra between the commanding officers and the staff officers regarding the strategical exercises which were carried out by the Australian ami New Zealand ships before the visiting squadron reached Wellington. Three amphibian machines from the warships in port engaged in practice formation flying over the city, but owing to the low clouds conditions were not altogether ideal. Shore leave was again given to-night to the Australian ratings, and the bluejackets thronged the city for their final night ashore in New Zealand. Ail hands will have to be back on board early in the morning, as steam will have to be raised and the ships prepared for sea.