GAY HARBOUR SCENE

Evening Star, Issue 21904, 15 December 1934, Page 11

GAY HARBOUR SCENE

PLANES AND WARSHIPS ESCORT DUKE ALL SHORE POSITIONS CROWDED MOSQUITO FLEET PROVIDES DECORATIVE FRINGE [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON,. December 15. Escorted by the ships of the New Zealand division of the Royal Navy and New Zealand Air Force planes, H.M.A.S. Australia, bearing His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, arrived at Wellington this morning amid animated and stirring scenes that will long be remembered. As the grey fighting ships moved up the harbour in line ahead, a grand spectacle was provided for the thousands of enthusiastic observers, both ashore and afloat. The day broke fine, but heavy clouds frequently obscured the sun. At intervals the sun broke through and flecked the waters of tho harbour with silvery light. Every vantage point fronting on tho harbour was crowded with eager sightseers, while Wellington’s mosquito fleet and the ferry steamer Muratai, all gaily decorated and crowded 'with passengers, combined to give a fitting welcome to the Royal visitor. The warships made an impressive spectacle as they approached the harbour. Entering tho Heads about 8 o’clock, the ships exchanged signals and altered their positions. H.M.S. Duu-

edin took the lead, followed by the Leith, Australia, Diomede, and Laburnum. Majestically the procession of ships steamed up the harbour, and the roar of the planes overhead was the only thing to break the silence. THROUGH LANE OF CRUISERS.. Off Point Halswell all the warships turned, and, while the Australia picked up the pilot, the other ships proceeded to Point Jerningham, where they anchored, forming a lane through which the Australia was to pass. The ships were dressed, and as the Australia got under way again the Dunedin, Diomede, Leith, and Laburnum thundered out the Royal salutation. As the Australia passed through the lane three lusty cheers for the Duke were given by the New Zealand naval ratings. COLOURFUL SPECTACLE, Not since a previous visit of Royalty has .Wellington seen such a colourful, inspiring spectacle. With the band playing on the quarter deck, and the ratings standing to. attention, the big cruiser quickly glided towards Pipitea wharf, where the berthing was carried out with the precision for which the navy is noted. A host of small craft of every description followed the cruiser to her berth, and an animated scene was presented.