WORK OF NAVY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25051, 15 November 1944, Page 7

WORK OF NAVY

AUCKLAND'S TEIBUTE

WELCOME TO THE GAMBIA The commanding officer, Captain N. J. W. Williani-Powlett, 8.N., and officers of H.M.N.Z.S. Gambia were guests at a reception given yesterday by the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs J. A. C. A Hum, and members of the City Council. The reception was attended by a number of representative citizens.

In extending a welcome to the guests, the Mayor referred to New Zealand's pride and interest in the Navy, especially because of its tradition, its readiness, and its habit of getting things done without saying much about itself. Personally, Mr Allum said, he sometimes thought that the Navy could draw more attention to the great service it rendered, both in war and in peaco, because in peacetime there was a tendency to forget it. Replying, Captain William-Powlett said the Gambia had been rather overwhelmed by the kindnesses lavished on officers and members of the ship's company since her arrival in Auckland. "Wo all thank you very much for the welcome, and for the, many things that have been done for us," he added.

'M would like to mention the Mayor's reference to the Navy in peacetime," said Captain William-Powlett. "I would like to emphasi.se its importance then, and 1 hope that after the war we will sco a good representative New Zealand Navy, not only serving in New Zealand waters, hut also having some of its ships doing commissions overseas. That would he good for recruiting—there is an old saying, 'Join the Navy and see the world'—but it would also lie very good for the New Zealand Navy and its ships."

Although it was true that there was a very large percentage of New Zealanders among the officers *}iid tne ship's company, Captain Wilhani-1 o\vletfc said lie should not like it to o thought that there was any division between the New Zealanders and tne rest of the ship. "We are all one s" I P and, I think, quite a happy one, ne said. "We have not yet had a chance in a really serious action, but when we uo get that chance we hope that we win uphold the honour of New Zealand am of the Navy." . In conclusion, Captain Wilham-Pow-lett supported remarks which had been made by the .Mayor concerning the line achievements of the United States forces. "From the way the American Navy has been working," he said, it look's as if they will have finished things in the Pacific before wo can help them."

SERVICES' CLUB HOTEL NOT AVAILABLE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday A letter from Colonel F. Waite to the National Patriotic Fmul Board contains information that Thackeray Hotel, opposite the British Museum, was not now available to provide accommodation for New Zealanders in London, as the British Government had decided to place all workmen from the provinces in hotels of this type. Lord Portal, Minister of Works, had notified that a group of houses near Marble Arch could be made available subject to building labour not being required to carry out alterations. There were certain appointments that would he necessary to make the houses suitable, and he was negotiating in the hope of being able to make satisfactory arrangements, said Colonel Waite. It was a very uphill job, but to get from 100 to 200 beds a large building was necessary. "We could not have selected a worse period in London's history to make our attempt," he added. "With so many houses damaged, buildings and men are at a premium."