H.M.S. OPAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8951, 16 January 1888, Page 4

H.M.S. OPAL.

On Saturday laat H.M.s Opal returned to harbour, after a abort cruise among tbe Friendly Idlands and Fiji. The Opal proceeded direct to Tongatabu from here, and she reached her (leetination on the sth September, after a very ple&aaut ran down. Ibere tbe Opal remained until the 23rd fcupt., when she proceeded to Fiji, reaching Suva on the 25th. The work of cuicliug the ship was at ouoe proceeded with, and ou tbe 27 th the Opal was once again en route for Tonga, where she arrived on tbe 80th, and there she remained until the 2nd January, f'heu orders were received by the three-maited ftchooner Muile for the ship to proceed to Suva, and thence on to Auckland. The trip, with the exception of a little bad weather the first couple of days after leaving Fiji, proved a must pleasant weather one. Xrje officers and men speak very highly of Tongatabu, and a very enjoyable time was spent, lawn tennis and horse riding being among the amusements indulged in. The men were al» lowed plenty of leave, and they appear to have iiad a very good time. While there two

regatta* and ipo.ta-were held, one on the 4th November Mid the other on the 4th December, and at both there the " Opals " were very well to the front. The Tongans were very friendly with the officers, making then a number of preientf, some of them being of a valuable nature. The three»maated achooner Jeuie Bailed for Mangonui on Saturday last. There iho loads timber for Sydney.