NAVAL SQUADRON SAILS TODAY

Southland Times, Issue 23179, 21 April 1937, Page 6

NAVAL SQUADRON SAILS TODAY

RETURN VOYAGE TO AUSTRALIA SUCCESS OF CRUISE (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, April 20. Led by destroyers the Australian Naval Squadron will leave Auckland tomorrow morning on its return voyage across the Tasman. The officers and men of all six ships unite in describing their New Zealand cruise as an outstanding success from start to finish and in expressing deep gratitude for the hospitality extended to them in Auckland. There was another busy day in the squadron today. A round of entertainments and sports fixtures ashore was maintained, the most notable event being a Rugby match between the Australian Squadron and the New Zealand Division of the Navy. This was won by New Zealand by 14 points to During the afternoon a large number of invited guests visited H.M.A.S. Canberra, where an “At Home was given by the officers. During the morning a conference was held on board H.M.A.S. Canberra between the commanding officers and staff officers about the strategical exercises which were carried out by the Australian and New Zealand ships before the visiting squadron reached Wellington. Three amphibian machines from the warships in port also engaged m practice formation flying over the city, but because of the low clouds conaitions were not altogether ideal. Shore leave was again given tonight to the Australian ratings, and bluejackets thronged the city for their final night ashore in New Zealand. All hands will have to be back on board early in the morning as steam wih have to be raised and the ships prepared for sea.