FLAGSHIP ARRIVES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18332, 26 February 1934, Page 6

FLAGSHIP ARRIVES

DUNEDIN IN ROADSTEAD CIVIC WELCOME PUBLIC INSPECTION ARRANGED H.M.S. Dunedin, flagship of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, arrived in the roadstead from Russell at 9.45 o’clock last night, and this morning there was the customary formal exchange of greetings on board the cruiser between her commander and port- officials and representatives of local bodies. The Dunedin’s arrival in the roadstead Hast night came as something of a surpnse s ji fast passage from Russell enabling the warship to drop anchor in the bay several hours ahead of the scheduled time of arrival. The Dunedin, weather conditions remaining favorable, will lie at anchor m the bay until Thursday morning, and as lias already been announced, an interesting and well varied programme of entertainments has been arranged by the Gisborne Publicity League, with the full co-operation of various sports bodies and other organisations. ■ ;• When the Takitimn drew alongside the warship shortly before 11 o’clock this morning, tlie chairman of the Harbor Hoard, Mr. J. Tomblesoti, and the Mayor, Mr. John Jackson, together with the representatives of all other local bodies, were welcomed on the quarterdeck by Commander P. B. R. W. Powlett. who is in temporary command of the vessel. Commander Powlett entertained the visitors in his stateroom, and there plans for the visit of the vessel were discussed. The commander confirmed the arrangements made by the Gisborne Publicity League for the events on shore, and intimated that the vessel would be open to visitors to-morrow and on Wednesday from 2to 6.30 p.m. In this respect every endeavor is to be made to enable the pupils of country schools to inspect the warship. A suggestion that the Dunedin’s cricketers should engage in a match with the Gisborne Club’s team met with Commander Powlett’s full approval, and it is hoped to arrange this match for tomorrow afternoon. To-morrow evening, at 7.30 o’clock, a troupe of Maori entertainers will visit the Dunedin and present a concert programme of Maori items for the amusement of those of the ship’s company who are unable to come ashore for the concert programme to be staged at the Opera House. An excellent programme for this latter entertainment w a s submitted to* the town clerk by Commander Powlett.

At midday, Commander Powlett and his senior officers came ashore to return the official call, and were entertained at the Borough Council Chambers.