THE NAVAL DIVISION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19388, 24 July 1926, Page 12

THE NAVAL DIVISION.

MOVEMENTS OF WARSHIPS.

RETURN OF THE DUNEDIN. CRUISE ROUND THE ISLANDS. After a two months' cruise round the islands of the South Pacific, H.M.S. Dunedin, flagship of tho New Zealand division of the Royal Navy, returned to Auckland early yesterday morning and berthed at Calliope Dock. Tho Dunedin wirelessed that she would arrive in port at 7.30 a.m. mid with true British punctuality sho dropped anchor on tho stroke. Leaving Auckland on May 25, the Dunedin arrived at Suva on May 30, remaining there until June 14. Here the crew were hospitably entertained by the residents, and all units were kept in the best of health by means of organised games and other competitions. From June 14 until July 5, the Dunedin, with the Diornede for the greater part of the time, was engaged in the more serious business of gunnery and torpedo practice off Lautoka. This was carried out in the case of the Dunedin almost continuously for 19 days, and much valuable practice was obtained. Arriving back at Suva on July 5, the Dunedin took aboard oil. and left on July 9 for Nukualofa, where she arrived two days later. She sailed again on July 19 for Auckland direct. The weather throughout the. cruise was good. The Dunedin struck rough patches but nothing of a serious nature. The ship's company kept excellent health and no accidents of any description were reported. All enjoyed the cruise to the full. Other units of the fleet are still in the Pacific. The Diomede is now visiting Tahiti, and is expected back at Auckland toward the end of August. The Veronica, now visiting the Gilbert and Ellis groups, should arrive at Auckland at the end of September. The Laburnum, which is cruising round the Fiji group, is expected at Auckland again in October. Commodore A. F. Beal returned with the Dunedin, His successor, Captain G.. T. C. P. Swabey, D.5.0., is due at Auckland on August 7, and will take up his new duties about August 25.

COMMODORE A. F. BEAL. NAVAL RESERVE FAREWELL. The Royal Naval Reserve will hold a parade at Devonport to-morrow for the purpose of bidding farewell to Commodore A. F. Beal, C.8., C.M.G., Commander of the New Zealand station, who is leaving, shortly for England. Members of the reserve will leave the Admiralty launch Steps for Devonport at 9.20 and \n • parade for church at 10.15. Opportunity will then be given to the commodore to speak to the men. ' There will also be a detachment of Sea Scouts at the ceremony. The Naval Reserve in New Zealand owes its foundation to "Commodore Beal, who was the prime mover in having a company established in Auckland. He has also been active in endeavouring to extend the movement to the other centres, and it is expected branches will shortly be formed in Dunedin and Wellington.