SUNDAY ISLAND CALL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19024, 26 May 1936, Page 6

SUNDAY ISLAND CALL

NO SIGN OF N.Z. PAIR CRUISE OF FRENCH SEOOP ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND (Pei Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. Galling at- Sunday Island in the Kermadec Group on the way from Noumea to Auckland, the French war sloop Savorgnan de RVazzn. which arrived at Auckland this morning, saw no sign of Messrs. Racou and Robinson, the New Zealanders whe settled there two years ago. Though unaware that the island was inhabited, Captain Robert decided to call In case castaways were there. The vessel remained in the south-west sound for six hours, her whistle being sounded at intervals.

‘■Had we known that people were living on the island we- would have cruised right round firing signal guns, said Omni the oflieers. ‘‘Probably the settlers were living on the opposite side of the island and even if tlu-y heard our-siren they would he unable to cross the island in a few hours as (lie interior is high and steep. We arc- extremely sorry we did not know they were there.”

SALUTES EXCHANGED OFFICIAL VISITS PAID (Pur Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. "With a new company of oflieers and men since her visit three years ago. the French war sloop, Savorgnan dr Brazza, entered the harbour from Noumea this morning, tiring 21 guns, which were answered by the buttery at North Head, and later exchanging salutes with H.M.K. Philomel, the flagship of Commodore the lion. F. it. Drummond. Official calls wen- made later by Captain do Frugal L. Robert. Tomorrow lie is to lie the guest of the Government, represented h.v the Defence Minister, the Hon. F. Jones, at a luncheon at the Grand Hotel, and Ungues! of the French Consul, M. -Ton bold, at the same lioiei.

The officers and crew, having heard from their comrades of the charms and hospitality of New Zealand, are keenly anticipating a pleasurable visit.

After an interval of three years the French war sloop Savorgnan do Rrazza is making her second visit to Auckland. The sloop, which is making her annual Pacific cruise, will go into dock for overhaul and will leave Auckland on Juno 2 or 3 for Wellington, where she will remain until June 7 or tl. The next port of call will he Papeete, and after completing the cruise the sloop will -return to the base. -Saigon. French fndo-China.