DEPARTURE OF H.M.S. NELSON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9011, 26 March 1888, Page 5

DEPARTURE OF H.M.S. NELSON.

On Saturday afternoon about half-past three o'clock H.M.s. Nelson sailed under easy steam for Sydney, where she is to receive a relief crew from the troopship Thalia, which is daily expected at that port. The Nelson having been superseded as flagship of the Australasian station by the new ironclad Orlando, will in all probability proceed to England shortly. During their somewhat lengthy stay in this port, both the officers and men of the Nelson have made themselves very popular with the townsfolk, and it was with genuine regret that the latter witnessed the departure of the big warship. Previous to her sailing the prizes, won by the bluejackets at the recent athletic carnival organised for them, were presented to the successful competitors by Mr. A. E. Devore, and those won by the sailors of the Diamond and Calliope were entrusted to an officer for delivery at Sydney. With Admiral Fairfax there sailed Mrs. Fairfax and Miss Dundas, who have during their stay at Government House won golden opinions from all with whom they came in contact. For the conveyance to the Nelson of the numerous impedimenta belonging to the ladies, together with, four horses belonging to the Admiral, pne of the ferry steamers was engaged, and till were shipped safely. Of the live stock two carriage horses brought by Admiral Fairfax from Sydney, while the second pair were locally purchased and locally-bred hacks, one being from the stable of Mr. A. McMillan, Panmuro, and the other from that of Mr. J. Kean, the well-known horse trainer. , . , , The attentions paid to the Admiral and officers while in this port have evidently not been unappreciated, as the following letter, addressed to the Mayor (to which we referred on Saturday) will show :—

M.s. Nelson, Auckland, March 22, 1888. My Dear Mr. Mayor,—Before leaving this port, I would wish on behalf of the officers and men of the squadron to express to you, and through you to the inhabitants of Auckland and its neighbourhood, our appreciation of the kindness and attention which have been shown to us during our stay. Our visit here bas been a very pleasant one, and we regret that the time lias come when our duty calls us away. You must allow me also to thak you personally for the courtesy you have shown me, and for your kindness on all occasions.--Believe me, &c, H. Fairfax.