H.M.S. DUNEDIN DEPARTS

Taranaki Daily News, 13 April 1934, Page 9

H.M.S. DUNEDIN DEPARTS

LARGE CROWD ON THE WHARF THE REAR-ADMIRAL’S DOG. With the men at their .stations, the band playing, and a farewelling by a crowd of more than 500 people, H.M.S, Dunedin’s visit to New Plymouth ended yesterday when she sailed for Nelson. A considerable portion of the crowd was on the wharf for at least an hour before the ship sailed at 5.35 p.m. Awnings were taken down by squads of sailors, and everything was made ready for the sea trip. The band assembled some time before the ship sailed and playec[ selections. Some interest was shown by the crowd when the Rear-Admiral’s car was laboriously manhandled on to the deck from the wharf. The operation was ticklish, to say the least, boards held by a number of sailors holding the car as it was first driven on to them. Then the boards were let down and the car pushed to the deck.

The Rear-Admiral’s dog—not a mastiff —also created some interest owing to a decided habit of chasing wildly along the deck after seagulls flying at least 50 feet above. The dog judged with uncanny accuracy the length of the quarterdeck, and though at times it appeared likely in its enthusiasm to take a dive over the side, it always managed to pull up in time.