WARSHIP’S PETS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 273, 17 October 1927, Page 6

WARSHIP’S PETS.

CAT DESERTS A 7 ESSEL,

UNIQUE STATE OF AFFAIRS.

(By Telegraph.—Special to Standard). AUCKLAND, Oct. 15. Tliero is probably not another pet i.n tho British Navy and certainly not in the New Zealand division which has been the cause of so much official consternation as Felix, a cat which until recently regularly drew its rations on board H.M.S. Laburnum.

Ait the px-esent moment Felix is under open arrest at Fiji on board the \ r eronica, a state of affairs certainly unique in the annals of the navy. Felix was in high favour as a pet on the Laburnum for over a year and left Auckland last May as an official pet by permission of the commander. The naval regulations do not allow animals to be carried on any ship except by special permission so that the cat enjoyed an undisputed right to accompany the sloop on its protracted tour of the South Pacific Islands. Everything went well until Suva was reached on September C. Felix had previously shown no disposition to wander ashore at any of the islands visited, but at Suva lie developed an idea of his own to take leave with the rest of the crew. He was seldom seen on board at night, but would usually walk serenely up the gangway early each morning. However, the sloop left the wharf one moniing for Lautoka to carry out gunnery exercises and Felix was still ashore. A few days_ later the A7eronica passed near Lautoka, and the following wireless message was received by the captain of the Laburnum: “Felix, absentee from H.M.S. Laburnum, reported on board A'eronica 2 a.m., Thursday, September 15; request instructions.”

The captain of the Laburnum replied by wireless: “Many thanks. Please bring Felix to Auckland.” That was the last the Laburnum heard of its former pet which was listed as a deserter for future punishment, The wireless messages were filed for reference and are at present in the pigeonholes of the Laburnum’s office. What fate awaits the unfortunate deserter is unknown at present. Felix is in disgrace, but i.t is probable that after he has been returned with all due ceremonial to his own ship the offence will be overlooked out of consideration for his previous good behaviour.