NAVAL SQUADRON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22063, 20 March 1935, Page 14

NAVAL SQUADRON

DEPARTURE TO-DAY EXERCISES IN THE GULF AUCKLAND VISIT ENJOYED The Australian naval squadron, commanded by Rear-Admiral W. T. Randle Ford, will leave Auckland at 6.30 this morning in continuation of the cruise. Although a number of fixtures have had to be abandoned on account of rain, tho officers and men of the five vessels have enjoyed their short stay in port. The hospitality shown toward tho visitors was referred to with appreciation by Rear-Admiral Ford yesterday. All had thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Auckland, where everything had been done for their entertainnient. As a result of rain on Monday, it was much to bo regretted that it had not been possible to hold tho dance on the flagship that evening. A number of. events were arranged for yesterday. Two cricket matches were played between naval and shore teams, and in the evening tho Navy League held a dance at Princo's Wharf for tho chief petty officers, petty officers and mon. In addition, another social was held at the headquarters of the Missions to Seamen. On leaving Auckland this morning the squadron, consisting of tho cruisers Canberra and Sussex, the flotillaleader Stuart, and the destroyers Vendetta and Voyager, will spend the day in exercises in the Hauraki Gulf. No set tactical manoeuvres will be carried out, the main object being gunnery practice. Anti-aircraft firing will be carried out at sleeve targets towed by aircraft from the Hobsonville base, and day and night torpedo attacks by the destroyers have been arranged. During the night the squadron will sail for Wellington, where it is due early on Saturday morning. The Canberra will leave Wellington on March 29 and arrive at Lyttelton the same day, while the Sussex will leave Wellington on March 31 and arrive at Dunedin on April 1. Both ships will leave the respective ports on April 4 for Hobart, Tasmania, which will be reached on April 9. After engaging in combined exercises with the military forces the cruisers will leave for Sydney and arrive there on April 18. The flotilla-leader Stuart and the destroyer Voyager will remain at Wellington until March 28, when they will sail for Sydney. The Vendetta will pay a visit to New Plymouth, leaving Wellington on March 25 and arriving at New Plymouth the next day. On March 28 she will sail for Sydney, which all three destroyers will reach on April 1.