H.M.S. DIOMEDE IN PORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19412, 21 August 1926, Page 13

H.M.S. DIOMEDE IN PORT.

LONG CRUISE COMPLETED. VISITS TO MANY ISLANDS. H.M.S. Diomede returned to Auckland yesterday after a cruise among the Pacific Islands extending over three and a-half months. On the whole the cruise was without incident, and the warship kept to her schedule. An outbreak of infiuepza at Fiji in June affected a large number of men, but without serious result. The Diomede escorted the Tutanekai, with the Governor-General and party on board, round some of the islands.

Leaving Auckland on May 9, visits were paid to Niue Island, Apia, Pago Pago; Suva, Laotoka and Levuka. The .warship then returned to Suva, later, visiting Bora Bora, Papeete, Rarotonga, and Nukualofa. The warship left the* lastmentioned port for Auckland last Monday. Fine weather was experienced during most of the cruise. . Gunnery practice was carried out between Suva and Lautoka, from July 2to July 5. . > , • The Diomede went into dock yesterday morning for cleaning and painting. Gunnery practice will be carried out in the Hauraki Gulf with H.M.S. Dunedin, which will return from Wellington on September 3. Both vessels will return? to port on October 1. H.M.S. Laburnum, which has been away since April 26, is to leave Suva today for Auckland, and is; due on August 27. The Veronica is not due .from Suva until October 3.