VISIT TO DOMINION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22184, 21 November 1946, Page 5

VISIT TO DOMINION

NAVY LIAISON OFFICER (Special Con'csnomlent. 1 LONDON, Nov. 19,

After acting as New Zealand naval affairs officer in London for 26 years. Mr. S. R. Skinner is paying his first visit to the Dominion in the Waiwera, which sailed last week. Known to hundreds of New Zealand sailors and many men of the Royal Navy, Mr. Skinner has been directly concerned with the recommissioning and refitting of all cruisers serving in New Zealand waters since H.M.S. Chatham sailed in 1926 to form the New Zealand division.

He was also present when the Dunedin. Diomede, Leandcr, Achilles, Gambia and Bellona subsequently sailed for the Dominion and has been intimately concerned with various stages leading to the development of the Royal New Zealand Navy. During the war he travelled thousands of miles by land, sea and air to meet New Zealand sailors, of whom there were 4000 in Britain, working very long hours. Mr Skinner nearly visited New Zealand 20 years ago at the suggestion of the late Mr. Gordon Coates, but was unable to leave at the last moment. "I am delighted to be going to New Zealand at last after all these years,” said Mr. Skinner, “and I am looking forward to meeting many friends there.”

Mr. Skinner was chief clerk at New Zealand House until appointed naval affairs officer during the war. He is expected to retire shortly. Also in the Waiwera is Mr. G. W. Clinkard. who is returning to take up the post of Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce.