H.M.S. DUNEDIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19461, 22 April 1925, Page 2

H.M.S. DUNEDIN

FUNCTIONS AFLOAT AND ASHORE. IMPOSING ROUTE MARCH. The officers and crew of H.M.S. Dunedin had another busy day yesterday in th ' way of various functions afloat and ashore. The principal feature of the day, so far as the general public was concerned, was a route march by a section of the ship’s company through the city. At 9.30 a.m. 120 men. bearing arms and headed by the cruiser’s band, marched from the Rattray street wharf, along Cumberland and Lower High streets, Stuart, George, Hanover. King, and Frederick streets, thence through George and Princes streets to the Oval. The spectacle presented was an imposing one, and large crowds viewed the march from every street corner and the side-walks. On arrival at the Oval shortly after 10 a.m. the men engaged in company drill for .about 20 minutes. These evolutions were watched by a large number of spectators, and were favourably commented upon. The men returned to the ship by way of Princes and Rattray streets, followed by a large crowd, the march selections played by the band and the blue uniforms of the sailors acting like a magnet.

The ship’s Second Grade Rugby team, consiting of young New Zealand ratings, played yesterday afternoon against a team representing the engine cleaners from the railway sheds. About 60 petty officers and men attended the Princess Theatre last evening as the guests of the City Council. A brilliant searchlight display was given last evening by the torpedo section of the Dunedin’s crew. The flashing beams of light were watched by large crowds from all parts of the city and suburbs. The display commenced at 8.30, and concluded at 9 o’clock.

The matron, nursing staff, and 16 patients from the Montecillo Red Cross Homo visited the cruiser yesterday afternoon. They wore entertained by the officers at afternoon tea, after which they were shown over the ship by officers and members of the crew.

Commodore A. Beal, C.M.G., Commander Lion. G. Stopford, Paymaster-commander Cockrem, Lieutenant-commander Edwards, D.S.C., and Lieut.-commander Vaughan will attend the Rotary Club luncheon today in the Somerset Lounge. The officers have been invited to attend a private dance at Mrs W. F. Edmond’s residence this evening. The ship’s band will plav at the Montecillo Rod Cross Home io-day. commencing at 3 p.m. Several of the officers will visit the homo during the afternoon. To-day the ship’s Association football team will journey to Seacliff to play a match against the Keacliff team. The sailors will be accompanied by a number of friends and supporters.

To-night, in Burns Hall, the Dunedin’s Versatile 14 will give an entertainment. As the proceeds will be sot aside for the various local orphanages it is anticipated that the seating accommodation in the hall will bo fully taxed.