CRUISER ACHILLES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23591, 27 February 1940, Page 7

CRUISER ACHILLES

VISIT TO SYDNEY LORD MAYOR'S HOPE APPROVAL BY NAVY - SYDNEY, Feb. 26^' The Lord Mayor of Sydney,. Alderman S. S. Crick, said to-day i.-thg-t nothing -woi>ld arouse greater enthusiasm in. Sydney than a visit by tha <" Achilles; • ■. - - If the New Zealand Naval Board could see-its way to arrange a visit, he said, Sydney would be delighted to honour the officers and crew. Sydney would go the limit in paying tribute to their gallantry. . Navy officials said: "The Navy is keen to have an opportunity to honour their comrades in the Achilles." MINISTER UNCERTAIN EARLY REFIT TO BE MADE "I could not say when the opportunity will occur for H.M.S. Achilles to visit Australia," said the Minister of ' Defence, the Hon. E. Jones, in-a rele-r.: phone conversation from Wellington with the Herald last night, when -suggestions from Australia:-' that .the visit ', should be made' were referred to .Mm.;.' "The first consideration "is "a"refit""tor ' the Achilles as soon as possible," the Minister continued. "What will happen after that will depend on the war. "We-would like to' show-her-to-the people of New Zealand, by sending her to Wellington, Lvttelton' and Dune din," Mr. Jones added. "However, she has to relit, the men must get their leave, and after that it will depend on circumstances whether she will visit other Iports in New Zealand. What oppor- ; tunities she niay have to -go to Australia I cannot say at present. It will all depend on the war."

Mr. Jones referred again to his plea- ; sure at the cordial" reception accorded the officers and ship's company of the Achilles in' Auckland last week, and mentioned the efficient maimer in which the reception- was arranged. - • '