NAVY LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 111, 6 November 1935, Page 11

NAVY LEAGUE

ADMIRAL'S VISIT

PLAQUE FOR H.M.S, WELLINGTON

Further information concerning the visit to the Dominion of Vice-Admiral J. E. T. Harper, the first New Zealander to reach flag rank in the Royal Navy, was received at the monthly meeting of the executive committee of the Wellington Navy League yesterday. In a letter, received by the secretary (Mr. R. Darroch) Vice-Admiral Harper said he would arrive in Wellington by the Tamaroa from England on December 4, and remain in New Zealand until February 28. He wished to assist the New Zealand branches of the Navy League in any way possible, and was bringing lantern slides to illustrate his lecture on the Battle of Jutland. Also he would be bringing a personal message from Lord Jellicoe, with whom he had been in frequent contact. ■

Vice-Admiral Harper, who is an old boy of Christ's College, Christchurch, mentioned in his letter that he had not been in New Zealand since he was a midshipman, 42 years ago. A letter was received from Mr E P. Norman, Town Clerk of Wellington! inviting the league's co-operation in a reception to H.M.S. Wellington when she-visits the city early in January of next year. The last occasion was during the municipal elections, when the vessel came in and Went out again more or less unnoticed. On this occasion she was to be presented with a .plaque bearing, the city arms. _It was decided to write to the Town Clerk expressing the willingness of the branch to co-operate. .

Appreciation of the generosity of the New Zealand branches in presenting a commemorative plaque to H.M S Eclipse was expressed in a letter from Lieutenant-Commander J. W. Weatherfield. A.photograph of the ship was enclosed, and it was stated that the plaque would be hung in a prominent position.

The women's sub-committee reported that arrangements had been completed to hold a dance in St. Francis Hall on November 19.