Night Exercises At Russell

Northern Advocate, 16 July 1938, Page 9

Night Exercises At Russell

For the first time in Russell night exercises in which aircraft as well as surface craft have been engaged have been witnessed in Russell this week. For half an hour each night, the seaplane frem H.M.S. Leander, at present stationed in the Bay of Islands, has circled the bay, affording opportunity for searchlight practice for the men on board the vessel. Daylight flights have also been made, the Leander’s seaplane flying down to Auckland to make contact with the Achilles, and the Achilles’ machine visiting the Leander. Having been diverted from the island cruise on account of measles, the Leander has been at Russell since Tuesday. Functions arranged in honour of its visit have included the Swordfishing Club’s dance on Thursday night, and a dance arranged by the town board. For two hours on Sunday the Leander’s band will render an orchestral programme in the Russell Town Hall. The vessel will sail on Monday to join the H.M.S. Achilles at Kawau Island for exercises in the Hauraki Gulf.