AN HONOURED FRIEND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23050, 30 May 1938, Page 8

AN HONOURED FRIEND

Over a number of years, Auckland has developed a sense of pride in I its position as a home base for ships jof the Royal Navy. Its association I with His Majesty's ships goes back to the days of its foundation by a ! very gallant naval officer, the first j Governor of an infant colony. Small [ wonder, then, that after nearly a i century Aucklanders should regard the naval base at Devonport as an integral part of their city and the officers and men of the division as honoured friends. Such a friend, not only to Auckland, but also to the whole Dominion, is Rear-Admiral the Hon. E. 11. Drummond, who, within the next few days,, will relinquish command as commodore of the New Zealand Division and return to England. The Dominion has been singularly fortunate in the calibre of senior naval officers whose services have been loaned by the Admiralty. Many outstanding men have seen service on this station. Daring Rear-Admiral Drummond's period of command, much has been done to modernise and strengthen the Dominion's naval defences. New cruisers are now on the station, the naval base itself has been brought up to date and a new magazine area has been established. But, as RoarAdmiral Drummond says, it is man power that counts and he has given an inspiring lead in the expansion of recruiting which aims eventually at the manning of the entire division by New Zealanders. His first thoughts have always been for personnel and it is good to know that he is leaving the Dominion satisfied that His Majesty's ships in these waters are manned by young ratings who are ably maintaining the traditions of the service. From New Zealand, Rear-Admiral Drummond will take with him good*wishes for the future, for further distinction in a career already distinguished and for an early return to the country in which he will leave so many friends.