H.M.S. DART: HER DEPARTURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9378, 30 May 1889, Page 5

H.M.S. DART: HER DEPARTURE.

After a sojourn in our waters of slightly over four months, the smart little gunboat Dart is about to set sail shortly,, on an extended surveying cruise, and will leave tomorrow for Sydney. She arrived here on January 23 last, from an extended commission upon the Queensland coast, Louisade Archipelago, and New Guinea, for the purpose of obtaining hor relief crow and being refitted and repaired. Some two months ago her old company proceeded home, their places being taken by reliefs brought from Sydney by the Orlando, while Commander Frederick succeeded Lieutenant Field in command. During her stay in port the vessel has been subjected to a thorough overhaul at the hands of Mr. G. Niceol, and has been fitted with new spars and decks of kauri, while new rigging has been rove and fitted by the crew, the whole of the work having given great satisfaction to her officers. The Dart will make a trial trip this morning, and will leave harbour with a party of guests for a cruise in the outer gulf. She will return in the evening, and on Friday will leave for Sydney, where her ropairs are to bo officially passed before she is again put into commission. OH'6'lGKßti' BALL.

Last evening the officers of the vessel entertained their Auckland friends at a farewell ball in the Choral Hall. The rooms were decorated with bunting and evergreens arranged in a variety of exceedingly tasteful designs. There were about sixty couples present, and they entered with zest into the amusement of the evening, and tho handsome and varied costumes of the ladies contrasting with the sombre garments a,nd elegant uniforms of their cavaliers formed a brilliant picture. A programme of about twenty dances was gone through, excellent music being supplied by Mr. A. R. Hunter's band, while the refreshments wore under the experienced care of Mr. G. Robson. The ball broke up at an early hour this morning.

THANKS. The proprietors of the Herald have received the following :—

H.M.s. Dart, Auckland, 28th May, 1889. Dear Sirs,-—lt is with much pleasure that, on behalf of the officers aud crew of this ship, I tender you our sincere thanks tor the kindness and courtesy you have shown in keeping us supplied witli so many copies of your valuable and interesting daily journal, a boon which has been so thoroughly appreciated by all. Our stay in Auckland has been made a happy and pleasant era in our commission through the hospitality and kindness of the inhabitants of this fine old town, and I trust that at no distant date we may return again to visit you.— have, &c, G. U. Frederick.