VICE-REGAL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1933, Page 4

VICE-REGAL TOUR

DIOMEDE LEAVES FOR ISLANDS.

STRIKING SCENE AT ANCKLAND.

(Australian Press issoriation.)

AUCKLAND, April 11

With a hand playing, seaplanes soaring overhead, and naval guns booming out a salute from the dockyard, H.M. S. Diomede left Auckland this afternoon, taking the Governor-General and Lady, Bledisloe-on an official visit to the Pacific Islands.

A large crowd cheered as the cruiser left the wharf. Five minutes before sailing time, a postal van drew up to the warship’s side, and mail for the Islands was hurriedly put on board. Tho cruiser made a striking picture as she swept out r .to. the stream, her grey sides spick and span under a new. coat of paint, polished brasswork, flashing in the afternoon sun, and her flags fluttering in the breeze. As she passed the end of the wharf, a seven flag signal was hoisted to the masthead, which asked ■ H.M.S. Philomel to mount guns in preparation for a naval salute. Two seaplanes from Hobsonville air, base appeared on the scene at that ; moment, and, flying low over the warship’s masts, soared upward in a salute. The 'cruiser had flulmed and was moving at a. good speed down the harbour when guns from the Philo* mel thundered their, salute. As the east of the 19 guns reverberated from shore tp shore, the Diomede turned North Head and disappeared from view. The seaplanes, like whit© seabirds outlined against the sombre heights of Rangitoto, alone marking her hidden progress down the channel. The Diomede’s first port of call will he Nukualofa, where she is due on Saturday. She will return to Auckland on May 5.