H.M.S. KATOOMBA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5487, 12 February 1896, Page 2

H.M.S. KATOOMBA.

, ' H.M.S. Katoomba, dhe of the smart cruisers comprising the Australian ii* Auxiliary Squadron, arrived in port from ,r Akaroa yesterday afternoon. She came alongside the wharf for the purpose of ' taking hi a supply of fresh water, ahd was » then taken to the buoys off the dock. She , remains here to await the arrival of the squadron on Feb. 20, when the "Orlando, Ringarooma and Wallaroo will join , her and remain here till F&b- 29. The present commission of the Katoomba dates from January of last year, and although she has visited this port during the present commission, there are several alterations in ' the jpersonne-J of her officers. She caihe from Auckland, via Wellington, to Akaroa, and between the two former ports she J put iv her annual twenty-four hours forced draught trial. , She arrived, at Akaroa oh Feb. 6, and since then the crew have been busily engaged in • general exercises, rborpedo practice, &c. The following is a' list gf her officers :— Captain, John E. Meryon. ; ' ' lieutem&ts; v"<^rge Cbuper; "St&wkrt "& Forster"; and John D. Kelly ; staff-pay--1 master, ' B. B." Sayile; fleet engineer^ "' William E.Beal; staff surgeon, F.. J; Lilly; assistant paymaster, Edgar G. Craddpokj engineer, F. J. Page ; gunner, Francis Teague ; boatswain, C. ' Cuthbert ; carpenter, James E. Pengelly; clerk, John H. Eaffey.