NEW ZEALAND'S FLAGSHIP

Evening Star, Issue 18253, 18 April 1923, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND'S FLAGSHIP

CHATHAM AT DUNEDIN

CRUISER’S AUSTRALIAN VISIT.

A largo crowd assembled on (ho Rattray street wharf shortly before 5 p.m. yesterday to witness tho arrival of H.M.S. Chatham from Bluff via Halfmoon Bay (Stewart Island). Tho Governor-General (Lord Jcllicoe) and Lady Jellicoc made the trip from Stewart Island by the cruiser, and they were heartily welcomed by the citizens. Tho crew of the Chatham also received a warm welcome. Tho cruiser made a fine showing as she steamed up the Victoria Channel and was swung round in the basin prior to berthing at the Rattray street wharf. The ship’s company was formed l up in tho usual posjtions when a British warship enters a port, and when the berthing operations commenced fhe decks became a scene of activity. Lord and Lady JelJicoe remained on the bridge until the Chatham was safely berthed. After the arrival of the cruiser Alcsars H. 0, Campbell (chairman), K. S. Ramsay, and W. J. Bardsley (secretary), representing the Otago Harbor Board, and Messrs W. Begg (deputy-mayor), and C. 11. Hayward, H. L. Tapley, and D. Larnach, representing the City Council, went on board and were presented to their Excellencies and Commodore Hotham. Air Bogg apologised for the absence of tho mayor (Air j. S. Douglas). A little later Lord and Lady Jellicne left the cruiser and proceeded by motor to "Wychwood,” Alussolburgh, whore they will be tho guests of Dr and Airs Lindo Ferguson during their stay in Dunedin. Commodore Hotham, in .a brief chat with a representative of the ‘livening Star’ this morning, said ho regretted 'that at present the Chatham would not be open to tho public, as, owing to influenza cases on board, this matter was under consideration by the Health Department. However, as there were only several slight cases remaining, it was hoped that the cruiser would be opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The Chatham-, continued Commodore Hotham, could stop in port for only six days. The reason for the short visit was that the cruiser had to be in Auckland to extend a welcome to the U.S.S-. Ontario, which is due at Auckland with Captain Pollock, of the U.S.S. Navy, who is the Governor of American Samoa, on board. U.S.S. Ontario will be docked at Auckland for refitting. In referring to tho Chatham's present voyage, Commodore Hotham said that the cruiser had- visited Australia for the purpose of having gunnery exorcises with the units of the Australian Navy, and to return tho visit of courtesy paid to New Zealand bv H.M.A.S. Melbourne in 1922.

During the Chatham's stay at Melbourne about 200 members of her crew wore, entertained at a picnic at Belgrave on Thursday, March 29, being conveyed by special train. The party, which was in the charge of Torpedo Gunner Taylor, thoroughly enjoyed tho outing. They were given lunch, and engaged in cricket and other games. On Thursday evening, Afarch 29, the officers of the Chatham were entertained at dinner at Federal Government House by His .Excellency the Governor-General (Lord Forster)-. Commodore Hoiliam visited the Flinders naval depot, Western port, on Alarch 50. and dined with Captain Cayley, officer commanding (he depot.

The cruiser was visited' by over 1,500 people at Melbourne on March 30. Officer? and men of the Chatham were extremely gratified' at tlio hospitality extended to them in Melbourne and Hobart, and they thoroughly enjoyed their stay at those ports. The Chatham arrived at It luff towards the end of last week from her extended visit to Sydney. Melbourne, and Hobart. The Governor-General and Lady Jellicoc boarded the cruiser on Saturday evening, and she left at 7 a.in. on Sunday for Stewart Island, arriving there two hours later. His Excellency attended divine service at Stewart Island on Sunday, the minister who officiated being conveyed from Bluff. The Chatham anchored in Halfmoon Bay and also in Glory Cove (Paterson Inlet). On Monday morning the cruiser steamed round' part of Paterson Inlet and anchored in Halfmoon Bay in time for their Excellencies to land and receive an address of welcome and to present the Ross Cup, which was won by the Murihika at the Auckland 1 Regatta last January. When the Governor left the ship a. salute of nineteen guns was fired. The Chatham left on Monday evening for Dunedin, and had a perfectly calm passage.

The cruiser was being coaled from the collier Kakapo to-day, and a few members of the crew bad shore leave. The, Chatham is to sail at 9 a.ra. cn Monday next direct for Auckland.