RETURN AFTER REFIT

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 144, 16 December 1930, Page 18

RETURN AFTER REFIT

WELCOME AT AUCKLAND

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, 15th December. With the punctuality characteristic of the British Navy, H.M.S. Diomedo dropped anchor in the harbour precisely at 2 p.m. on her return from England, where she had undergone an extensive refit in Chatham dockyard. The Diomede has been absent from the New Zealand station since 2nd October last year, and she has returned completely overhauled and with an ridded ten years' lease of useful service. Her refit is one usually undertaken, halfway through a cruiser's career. The Diomedc's complement, -10 short n£ requirements, totalled SS2 when she reached Auckland. Most of the officers were making their iirst visit to •the Dominion, only three having previously served on.the New Zealand station. The ratings include about 150 New Zealanders who carried out courses when at Home. The other 20S are on loan to the New Zealand Division, and about 60 of them will return to England on the Dunedin, which will leave early in April to undergo a refit similar to that just completed by the Diomede. The remainder will serve on the New Zealand station for three years. The Dunedin, the flagship of Commodore Blake, moved into the stream shortly before the Doimede arrived. The Diomede fired a salute of 11 guns for the Commodore, and the Dunedin returned Ihc salute with seven guns. AVhile both vessels were still in the stream Captain M. .T. C. cle -Mcric, M.V.0., of the Diomede, boarded, the llagship to pay his respects to the Commodore. The Commodore returned the call after the cruisers had berthed. The medical and Customs examinations having been made, tho Diomede berthed at tho Shecrlegs Wharf shortly after 3 o'clock, the ship's band playing "The Stein Song" and various other popular airs. As the cruiser came alongside there •was a muster of friends aud relatives to extend a welcome at tho wharf, and for an hour there was a scene of activity as handshakes were exchanged. Telephonic connection was made with the shore, a butcher hustled on board with fresh meat, a laundryman collected linen, and the numerous tasks attendant to the close of a long voyage were performed. The" Dunedin later berthed alongside her returned sister ship.