H.M.A.S. AUSTRALIA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22057, 13 September 1933, Page 5

H.M.A.S. AUSTRALIA

ARRIVAL AT PORT CHALMERS LARGE CROWD GREET SHIP WELCOME TO PORT OF OTAGO Moving majestically through the waters of the Lower Harbour yesterday morning, the big grey hull of H.M.A.S. Australia made an imposing spectacle for the large crowd that had assembled to welcome her arrival at Port Chalmers. The cruiser, representing part of the naval strength of Australia, came from Auckland and the Hanraki Gulf, after carrying out gunnery exercises with the Canberra, flagship of the Australian Navy, and the Dunedin and the Diomede, of the New Zealand Naval Division. It is the Australia’s first visit to these waters, and her appearance has naturally created more than the usual interest and enthusiasm when a man-o’-war is in the , offing.

The Australia came noiselessly into port. She was off the Heads at 8.30 a.m., where she was met by the tug Dunedin and the Harbour Board’s pilot launch, while a solitary aeroplane soared overhead. The morning was fine but chilly, and there was an occasional glimpse of the sun. Not a single gun barked to disturb the morning stillness, and even the smooth surface of the water remained unbroken as the great grey hull, like a slowly moving shadow, passed up the Lower Harbour channel. The Australia was due at 9.30 a.m., and she was berthed on the south side of the George street wharf on the tick of time. Watchers on the Port Chalmers waterfront saw the warship arrive, and as she was gradually swung into her berth speculated as to the meaning of the continuous stream of flag signals run up on the foremast, heard a bugle call, the shrill piping of a whistle, and became intensely interested when an electric crane commenced to lower the gangways from the high top deck to the wharf, and when a score or so of sailors swarmed down a rope on co the wharf and were quickly engaged in placing the gangways in position. It was all carried out in traditional navy style. There was no shouting of commands, just a soft-spoken order, a hand signal, and the job was done. The morning mists had not all disappeared when the Australia approached ■ the Heads, but the day was clear when she passed the high bluff of Taiaroa Head, to enter the harbour proper. In the wake of the cruiser came the tug Dunedin and the pilot launch, the former standing by as the big vessel came to her berth. She was securely tied up by 9.45 a.m., and with each passing minute the bluejackets became more active. The after gangway was no sooner in place than a bluejacket came ashore and commenced sentry duty. The Australia came in without the services of a pilot. She was skilfully handled, and the 10,000-ton bulk of' armoured steel made the passage from" the Heads without the slightest hitch. The length of the cruiser is 630 feet, so that she holds the distinction of being the longest vessel that has ever entered the Port of Otago.

The Australia parted company with the flagship Canberra in Hauraki Gulf at 9 a.m. on Saturday, when a course was set for Otago Heads. When the cruiser cleared the land she ran into a strong E.N.E. wind and a heavy swell. The wind increased in force until it was blowing a moderate gale from the northeast;? She had a fairly heavy sea on the quarter and rolled considerably. The bad weather continued until Monday afternoon, when the wind lost its sting, and the conditions were fairly good until the Heads were reached. The ship came down the coast at a speed of 12 knots most of the way. On Monday there was gun drill, and the searchlights were operated on Monday night. The Australia was off Banks Peninsula about 4 p.m. on Monday. Several hundred peoplp-were lined up on the wharf when the Australia was brought to her berth. The scholars from the Port Chalmers School were present under the charge of the teachers, and the children were keenly interested in the proceedings, but the nimble actions of the sailors swarming down a rope over the ship’s side claimed thdr particular attention. The Australia’s complement totals 712. Captain M'Leod came out from England only three months ago. He has had a long and successful career in the British Navy. With the exception of six, his officers are all Australians. There are no Imperial ratings among the crew', every sailor being an Australian. The Australia will remain at Port Chalmers until Tuesday, sailing that day for Akaroa. She will remain in Akaroa Harbour for two days and then proceed to Wellington, where she will be joined by the Canberra. OFFICIAL PARTIES VISIT SHIP. Shortly after the Australia was berthed she was invaded by the first party of shore visitors, consisting of the chairman (Mr H. C. Campbell), the secretary (Mr J. Renton), and several members of the Harbour Board. They were introduced to Captain W. S. F. M‘Leod, 0.8. E., R.N., of the Australia, and invited to his state room. In extending a hearty welcome to Captain M'Leod, his officers, and men, on behalf of the Harbour Board, Mr Campbell said it was the first visit of an Australian naval vessel to this port since 1926. He assured Captain M'Leod that the Australia was berthed inside the safest harbour in New Zealand. No matter how rough the w'eatber might be, there would not be even a surge to disturb the Australia. It was very gratifying to the people of Otago to receive a visit from such a splendid warship as the Australia. The Harbour Board wmuld be only too pleased to provide every facility for the ship and her complement while in port. They all hoped Captain M'Leod and his officers would have a pleasant time during their stay in the port.

Captain M'Leod thanked the visitors for their welcome, and assured them that their visit would be very pleasant. The only drawback, he said, was that such visits were far too short.

Later in the morning Captain M'Leod, accompanied by his secretary, called on the chairman of the Harbour Board. Other official calls were made to Captain M'Leod in the morning by the Mayor of Dunedin (the Rev. E. T. Cox), and the Civic Committee, the Mayor of Port Chalmers (Mr J. Watson), the town clerk (Mr C. Blackman), the Rev. W. H| Roberts, and Commander Watson. R.N.V.R.

These calls were returned later by Captain M'Leod. PUBLIC INSPECTION.

Captain M'Leod informed the press representatives that the people of Otago would be given every opportunity to inspect the Australia. The ship will be open to the public this afternoon, and also on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the visiting hours each day being from 1.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Captain M'Leod said that members of the crew would guide visitors over the Australia, and explain the working of the various departments. It is anticipated that several thousand people will visit the cruiser on Sunday afternoon, and in order to provide sufficient means of transport to Port Chalmers the Railways Department has made arrangements to run special trains from Dunedin on Sunday, The first train will leave at 1 p.m,, the second

at 1.45 p.m., the third at 2.30 p.m., and the fourth at 4 p.m. Trains will bring the visitors back from Port Chalmers at intervals. ATTRACTION FOR VISITORS.

On the quarter-deck of the Australia Is a scroll commemorating the three war vessels which have borne the name Australia. The first was a cruiser, launched in 1886, and was in service until 1905. In 1913 the battle cruiser Australia was launched. She saw service during the Great War, and -was scuttled outside Sydney Heads. The present Australia was launched in 1928. The battle honours of the second Australia are recorded on a shield placed beneath the scroll and bear the following inscriptionl9l4, Pacific; 1015-1918, Grand Fleet: 1918, surrender of German High Seas Fleet.”

The scroll and also the seaplane which is carried on the top deck just abaft the funnels will, no doubt, prove a great attraction for visitors. SHORE ARRANGEMENTS.

Several sporting fixtures have been arranged for members of the ship’s company for Saturday. The Australia's Rugby football team will meet an Otago team at Carisbrook ns a curtain raiser to the North Otago-Otago match, while a hockey match against an Otago team is to be played at the Caledonian Ground prior to an Association football match between teams representing Otago and H.M.A.S. Australia. It is likely that other events will be arranged later. The officers will be entertained by citizens, and will take part in private golf parties. The football ground at Port Chalmers has been placed at the men’s disposal.

An invitation to attend the Coster Ball this evening has been extended to the officers of the warship by the executive of the Navy League. This invitation has been accepted, and as many of the ship’s officers as can make it convenient to be present will do so. The Mayor’s room at Port Chalmers and the Council Chambers have been placed at the disposal of the officers, while the Town Hall will be used by the crew. The Mechanics’ Institute and the Sailors’ Rest will be open every evening, while the men will be admitted free to the Laurler Theatre. On Monday the Port Chalmers Territorials will entertain members of the crew at a dance, and the Port Chalmers Girls’ Club will entertain the officers at a dance this evening.

Half the ship’s company will be granted shore leave from 4 p.m. to 7.30 a.m. each day during the visit of the Australia, while a quarter will be given leave from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.