H.M.S. DIOMEDE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22101, 3 November 1933, Page 12

H.M.S. DIOMEDE

YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITIES The cruiser Diomede was open to the public yesterday afternoon, and a fairly large crowd inspected the ship. Visitors will be allowed on board between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to-day. Yesterday- morning the monthly diving exercises were carried out by the ship’s divers. Four men descended from a boat alongside the, Rattray street wharf, and their activities attracted a number of interested spectators. The Diomede will sail to-morrow for Auckland. OFFICERS ENTERTAINED.

The British Public Schools’ Club, Otago, took the opportunity of the visit pf H.M.S. Diomede to entertain a few of the officers at luncheon yesterday at Wain’s Hotel.

The president of the club (Mr E. Wood) extended a cordial welcome to the visitors, explaining that one of rhe objects of the club was to keep in touch with public school men from overseas whether making their residence in the Dominion or as visitors. His remarks -were supported by Sir James Allen, who pointed out that the chief desire evidenced by Great Britain since the war had been to live at peace with the world, and that the object of the navy was not offence but defence. The Dominion, ns in-the past, would again be prepared cheerfully to bear any additional expense that might be found necessary to secure adequate protection. Mr G. R. Ritchie then proposed the health of “The, Visitors.” Lieutenant Hardcastle, who had recently arrived from Home, in acknowledging the toast, pointed out that one of the chief duties of the navy in peace time was to “ show the flag,” which resulted in their visits to the various ports being necessarily of all too short duration. He and his fellow-officers had. much enjoyed. the gathering, which was only another example of the hospitality accorded to the ship’s company wherever they went.