DUNEDIN AND DIOMEDE

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 92, 15 October 1927, Page 11

DUNEDIN AND DIOMEDE

THE ISLANDS TROUBLES

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "Tho Evening Post.")

AUCKLAND, This Day.

H.M.S. Dunedin left at 9.30 a.m. today after four days in Auckland. The ship is proceeding to Akaroa. The Diomedo joins her oft' Lyttelton on Monday, and later both will visit Wellington, returning to Auckland on 25th November. There was a report current yesterday that the Dunedin was to leave under sealed; orders, and that her probable destination' was Samoa or tho Sulomons. The Dunedin's sudden return to the Devonport base was mode under orders from the Navy 'Office. It Was anticipated that her services might bo necessary at either Samoa or the Solomons.' ll^yever, as H.M.S. Adelaide lias left Sydney for!tho Solomons and as the sloop Veronica is already at Suva, it was thought that these vessels would-be capable of handling any crisis that might arise. The Dunedin was ordered -to take provisions of oil fuel for a long cruise, but fresh, orders made thi3 unnecessary. A certain amount' of concern is felt for the. Melanesian stamer' Southern Cross, which is due at the Solomon Islands any time now. She has'already called at the New Hebrides, and it is not considered safe to' undertake a protracted tour-of the Solomons, especially at Tulagi, where:the recent massacre occurred. The steamer is not equipped with wireless, and it is not possible to Warn her. ' Instructions have been issued to the Adelaide to intercept the'mission, stamer and'-en-sure her-a safe'passago. ■"■■'■'.