GALLANT ACTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24138, 3 December 1941, Page 6

GALLANT ACTION

SEARCH TO CONTINUE MINISTER'S STATEMENT SHIP'S TBADITIONS UPHELD SYDNEY, Dec. 1 The Minister for the Navy, Mr. Mnkin, said last night that, although it was not certain what had happened td the Sydney, it was known that she had taken part in "a gallant action with conspicuous success." "I learned with profound regret that the Svdney had been posted missing," said Mr. Makin. "While it is difficult to believe that she has foundered, the time by which she is now overdue makes us believe our worst fears are correct. "This we do know. She fought a gallant action with conspicuous success and worthily emulated the former Sydney and her fight at Cocos Island 27 years ago. "To all the relatives so sadly bereaved I tender my deep sympathy. I hope the knowledge that their men served their country with such devotion to duty will afford them some solace. We have not entirely abandoned hope. The search for the ship or survivors will go on until we are convinced that everything possible has been done." The leader of the Federal Opposition, Mr. Fadden, said: "Members of the Opposition share with the Prime Minister and his Government their sincere regret at the loss of H.M.A.S. Sydney. Personally, and on behalf of the Opposition in the Commonwealth Parliament. I wish to extend deepest sympathy to the relatives and the crew of a famous unit of the Royal Australian Navy." Air. W. M. Hughes, former Minister for the Navy, said: "Until she was posted missing, it appeared that the Sydney had a charmed life. In the first 2J years of the war there were only 113 casualties in the whole of the Royal Australian Navy. "Those on the Sydney were negligible, and up to the time she returned to these waters, were fewer for the whole war than those suffered by the former Sydney in her battle with the Emden."

REPLACING LOSS -

PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTIONS SYDNEY, 1 Dec. 1 If the people of Sydney wish it, the Lord Mayor, Alderman Crick, will sponsor the raising of a fund to replace H.M.A.S. Sydney. Alderman Crick emphasised Inst night the deep sentimental attachment that had developed among Sydney people for the cruiser named after their city. This, he said, had developed to an extraordinary extent since the Sydney's triumphal visit here after her exploits in the Mediterranean. A fund to replace the Sydney probably would have to run to more than £2,000,000. Alderman Crick said that the news that the Sydney was missing was a heavy personal blow. During the festivities associated with the visit of the Cruiser, he had come to know the officers and men well. NAVAL RELIEF FUND SYDNEY, Dec. 1 The Commodore-in-Charge of Sydney Naval Station, Commodore G, C. Muir-head-Gould, appealed last night for subscriptions to the Royal Australian Naval Relief Fund. "Anyone who wishes to express sympathy for Australia's loss should send subscriptions to me at Garden Island, The Naval Relief Fund, which has existed for years, helps naval men and their dependants."