MAY COME TO N.Z.

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22240, 28 January 1947, Page 2

MAY COME TO N.Z.

BYRD EXPEDITION SHIPS VISIT OF U.S. WARSHIP (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Jan. 28. The possibility of United States ships from Rear Admiral Byrd’s expedition calling at New Zealand ports was mentioned by the commander of U.S.S. Onslow, Captain Frank T. Corbin, in an interview to-day. U.S.S. Onslow had come to New Zealand as the crew was due for shore leave and an opportunity was taken to visit this country because of the high regard of American servicemen for New Zealand hospitality Captain Corbin said he thought it likelv that some of the smaller of Rear Admiral Byrds ships might be sent here to give the crews shore leave, or if any serious engine trouble occurred in any of the vessels.

He could not confirm reports that U.S.S. Onslow had been diverted to New Zealand to loin Rear Admiral Byrd’s expedition “We were ordered to sail to New Zealand from Guam ana await further instructions and after successfully steering clear of the typhoon just after crossing the line—a most unpleasant welcome from down under —we received orders to sail for Wellington on a sixday visit,’’ said Captain Corbin. “So here we are, keeping up the splendid friendship which was formed in your country during the war. We will be sailing from Wellington on Friday morning for Pearl Harbour, via Samoa and probably will spend some time there before returning to the United States, where we are due for refit and overhaul in April.”