SERVICES RECOGNISED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20891, 5 June 1931, Page 12

SERVICES RECOGNISED.

COMMANDER H. L. MORGAN.

* AWARD OF C.M.G. MADE. WORK AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE. Advice has been deceived that Commander H. L. Morgan, D.5.0., commandder of 11.M.5. Veronica, has been made a Companion of tho Order of St. Michael and St. George in recognition of his services at Napier following the earthquake of February 3. Commander Morgan's name ,did not appear in, tho list 'cabled from England of thoso honoured on the occasion of the King' 6 Birthday, but advice of the honour was received in Auckland yesterday. Commander Morgan first came to Now Zealand in H.M.S. Dunedin. Ho served from May, 1927, until February of last year, when he returned to England in H.M.S. Diomede. 110 came back to NewZealand last September to take command of the Veronica. Commander Morgan was in complete control of operations at Napier duiing tho critical 24 hours which immediately followed the earthquake. The Veronica was berthed at tho breastwork in the inner harbour at Napier when the earthquake occurred. The warship was in jeopardy owing to tho rise and fall of tho harbour bed, which left the vessel aground at. one stage. As soon as it was possible, Commander Morgan led a party ashore and immediately set about tho work of rescue and of restoring order to the stricken town. Under his guidance the officers and men of the Veronica did splendid service. Services established for the benefit of the townspeople wero maintained by Commander Morgan until he was relieved on the arrival of tho Dunedin and the Diomede from Auckland. Afterwards ho continued to take an active part in tho rescue work. As a tribute to tho work of the officers and men of the Veronica during the earthquake, tho Navy League is to present a commemorative plate of honour to the sloop. The presentation will be made by the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloo. at Government House this afternoon.