NAVAL AFFAIRS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23517, 4 June 1938, Page 16

NAVAL AFFAIRS

FAREWELL TO COMMODORE DOMINION FORCE EFFICIENT (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 3. A civic farewell was accorded Rear-admiral the Hon. E. R. Drummond at the Town Hall to-day. Replying to the speeches Rearadmiral Drummond made a brief review of naval activities during his period of office. The New Zealand Division, he said, now possessed modern cruisers and escort vessels equal to the best in the navy, the naval base was nearing the end of its reconstruction and, although small, would have a well equipped dock equal to all emergencies. New Zealand was providing recruits second to none. The personnel was increasing steadily, and the object of having the station manned entirely by New Zealanders was being carried out. He mentioned the need for the replacement of the_Philomel, which was “falling to pieces,” by a new training ship. The commodore also paid tributes to the Government for its consideration of his suggestions for defence, to the work of the R.N.V.R., and to the people of the Dominion for their hospitality. He would return to renew the many friendships he had established.