RETURN OF DUNEDIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21250, 2 August 1932, Page 10

RETURN OF DUNEDIN

SEVENTEEN MONTHS' ABSENCE MANY FAMILY REUNIONS AN UNEVENTFUL VOYAGE MEETING WITH FLAGSHIP With her grey paintwork gleaming, H.M.S. Dnnedin, former flagship of tho New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, commanded by Captain M. J C. de Meric, returned to Auckland yesterday morning. On the Shecrlegs Wharf at Devonport wero waiting wives and relativesof tho cruiser's New Zealand ratings and as soon as tho port medical inspection was completed, the crowd on tho wharf broke up into little groups, each with a central sailor figuro—reunions after 17 months of absence. Tho Dunedin's trip from England was largely uneventful. She sailed from Sheerness on Juno 6 and teams from the ship competed successfully at various sports meetings at Gibraltar, Madeira, Jamaica and Nukuhiva, where the cruiser called en route to Auckland. There was no ceremonial attached to the meeting of tho Dunedin and tho Diomede at Bora Bora. Tho two cruisers met at the entrance to tho harbour, and steamed in together, tho Dioinede going alongside tho Admiralty oil tanker to take on oil, while tho Dunedin anchored. Tho Diomede had previously fired a salute of 11 guns. Captain de Meric called on Commodore F. Burges Watson, who later returned his call. However, the commodoro made no official inspection. The French naval schooner Zeleo was also at Bora Bora during the stay of the two cruisers and the usual calls were exchanged. Cruiser's New Officers After leaving Bora Bora, the Dunedin called at Sunday Island, in the Kermadec group, but tho weather was too rough for landing. The cruiser arrived in the Hauraki Gulf on Sunday afternoon, but as she was not scheduled to reach port until yesterday, she anchored at Kawau at four o'clock on Sunday afternoon, sailing again at 8.15 yesterday morning. No 6alutes were fired as the cruiser entered port and steamed slowly up to her accustomed berth, but tho band was playing on the quarter-deck and a guard was posted. Captain de Meric is delighted to return to New Zealand. He brought the Diomed© from England after her extended refit in 1930, and left again in command of tho Dunedin early last year. During the next few days ho will pay and receive the usual round of official calls. With the exception of Paymaster-Lieu-tenant J. G. Bennett, all the officers on tho Dunedin are serving on thp New Zealand station for the first time. Commander P. B. R. W. William Powlett is a former English Rugby international, and Lieutenant S. H. Carlill has represented tho Navy at Rugby. All the officers are looking forward eagerly to their term of service in tho Dominion. Several are keen fishermen and are planning to visit the Bay of Islands and Taupo during leave periods in the coming summer. They had some experience of deep-sea fishing at the Galapagos Islands, shortly after leaving Panama. ' Modern Equipment The Dunedin's 93 New Zealand ratings havo all returned with the benefit of special instruction and fleet experience in England. While the cruiser was refitting at Chatham, they were drafted to the various special schools and also posted to ships in the Atlantic Fleet. During the next few days they will all be given what is known as "foreign service leave/' enabling them to visit their homes. When tho Dunedin called at Gibraltar, the New Zealand ratings were addressed by the Governor-General, Sir Alexander Godley, who, during the war, .commanded tho New Zoaland Expeditionary Force. Although externally she presents almost the same appearance as when she left New Zealand, tho Dunedin is to all intents and purposes a new ship. She was overhauled from stem to stern and her equipment now includes many features in keeping with modern naval developments. Although the Dunedin was the flagship of the squadron before her departure for England, she will not fly the broad pennant of Commodore Burges Watson until the Diomede leaves next year for a short refit in England.