FAREWELL TO THE DUNEDIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22619, 6 January 1937, Page 8

FAREWELL TO THE DUNEDIN

The ceremony performed yesterday when the commodore's flag was transferred to H.M.S. Achilles ends the Dunedin's long term of service as flagship of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. Soon the cruiser, which has become so well known in New Zealand waters, and particularly at Auckland, will leave these shores finally. It is a fitting occasion to consider what part the Royal Navy—not the ships on this station, but the officers and men who serve in them—plays in the life of the community. The career of the Dunedin includes several episodes worth recalling to this end. First, of course, the cruisers and other units attached to the station are, or should be, a continuous reminder of what the Empire has to safeguard, of the importance of unhampered sea communications to its very existence, rather than merely to its well-being. Again, by the presence of the ships and of the training depot, a number of young New Zealanders are given the opportunity to join up and make the sea their career. These are permanent features of the position. The Dunedin herself has been associated with events which show how the Navy is ready for any task which comes its way, particularly to do rescue and humanitarian work in time of need. The Dunedin was at Auckland when news of the Napier earthquake was received. She was speedily despatched to the scene carrying doctors, nurses and medical and other supplies. While there, the ship's company gave wonderful service in helping to restore order out of chaos, to succour the injured and to recover the dead. This is the outstanding incident in the Dunedin's career on the New Zealand station which shows how the Royal Navv becomes part of the life of the country with which it is associated. For it alone the cruiser and the many officers and men commissioned in her deserve to be gratefully remembered.