H.M.S. VERONICA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 97, 27 April 1933, Page 9

H.M.S. VERONICA

ARRIVAL AT WANGANUI CIVIC WELCOME EXTENDED. INVITATION TO SCHOOLS. After being delayed for two days by rough weather at sea the sloop H.M.S. Veronica arrived in Wanganui at 11 o’clock yesterday morning and tied up at the Castlecliff Wharf. The Veronica left Wellington on Monday night and sailed up to the vicinity of the port on Tuesday morning, but, finding that conditions were unfavourable, went over to Guard’s Bay, in the Sounds, and remained thcer until yesterday morning. At about 2.30 o’clock yesterday afternoon the Mayor, Mr. N. G. Armstrong, the chairman of the Wanganui Harbour Board, Mr. J. T. Hogan, Majoi D. A. C. Lilburne, representing the Wellington-West Coast Regiment, Captain D. T. Maxwell, N.Z.S.C., adjutant to the first battalion of the Wellington West Coast Regiment. Mr. G. Murch, the town clerk, Mr. W. J. Gardner, secretary to the Wanganui Harbour Board, and Mr. J. S. L. Deem, engineer to the Wanganui City Council, paid an official call on Captain W. L. Jackson, R.N., who is in command of the Veronica.

Later in the afternoon a return call was paid by Captain Jackson, accompanied by Lieut.-Cominander M. E. Wevcll, R.N., who were met at the Elrick Tea Rooms. In addition to those present at the Veronica, the following also welcomed the two officers; Lieut.Colonel F. ,K. Turnbull, D. 5.0., M.C., Air. Hope Gibbons (president of the Wanganui-Waitotara Patriotic Association), Messrs. H. G. Horsley and E. O’Meara (Wanganui City Councillors), Messrs. J. Patterson and J. Morrison (Wanganui Harbour Board). Air. Armstrong, on behalf of the citizens of Wanganui, said that, everyone was pleased to meet the visitors and hoped that they brought better weather with them. He hoped they would have an enjoyable stay in Wanganui. Air. Hogan said the Harbour Board was gratified that the Veronica had mot. with no trouble in entering the port, and he assured the visitors they would have no trouble in getting out. Although there were some people in Wanganui who said that if large boats entered the port they might not be able to get them out again, such an assertion was not true. “We are especially pleased to welcome the Veronica in view of the re-

cord it established during the time of the Napier earthquake. Not only arc we pleased and proud to welcome you to Wanganui, but we also remember that on the former occasion the Veronica visited Wanganui RearAdmiral Blake was in command,” continued Mr. Hogan. He trusted that when Captain Jackson left New Zealand he would climb as Rear-Admiral Blake had climbed. Captain Afaxwell recalled that Wanganui had not received a visit from the Navy for two years. Everyone had been very sorry that the weather had prevented the Veronica arriving in Wanganui in time for the Anzac Day services, for the people of Wanganui and the territorials had looked forward to parading with a detachment of the senior service. Air. Hope Gibbons said that as president of the Wanganui-Waitotara Patriotic Association he knew that that body had dealt with both Navy and Army, and had tried to do its best for derelicts when they came along for help. It was a pleasure to meet firstclass representatives of the Navy in Wanganui and he, hoped they would enjoy themselves. Air. Gibbons said that he also represented the committee in New Zealand of Flock House, which had done its best for the orphans of the Navy and had trained them at Flock House. Some 700 or 800 children had been to the house and they were all doing well to-day. Now New Zealand children were being taken and they were also proving to be tip-top. Tn thanking the speakers for their welcome to himself and LieutenantCommander Wevcll, Captain Jackson said that he had been very disappointed they had been unable to arrive in Wanganui on Monday for three reasons. The first that they had missed the celebrations on Anzac Day, the second that it was his first visit to Wanganui, and he had heard so much about -it that he was anxious to see it. and the third that everyone had had two uncomfortable days tied up on the Veronica. “I hope that anyone who has anything to do with schools will take ad

vantage of the ship’s stay in Wanganui,” he continued. “It is open to visitors every day after 4 o’clock until sunset and also on Saturday and Sunday. School children may come on at any time provided that those responsible. will ring the Veronica beforehand and let us know. “I always consider that the principal duty of the Navy in peace time is to keep up friendly relations between the outposts of the Empire, and I consider that such in my duty in New Zealand. We have been extraordinarily well entertained everywhere and I only hope we can do our little bit in return. There is no doubt to-day that the better the relationship in the Empire the better it is for 'the world in general.” The Veronica will remain in Wanganui until Afonday, May 1, when it is to sail for Whangaroa. Officers of the Wanganui Garrison are to meet Lieu-tenant-Commander Wevell at the Provincial Hotel to-night at dinner, after which he will address them. The Veronica was installed with a telephone yesterday, and its number is 2603. School authorities wishing to make arrangements for pupils to visit the ship are asked to ring that number. The list of officers is as follows: — Captain W. L. Jackson. D. 5.0.. R.N.: Lieutenant-Commander AL E. Wevell. R.N.; Lieutenant C. H Diawson, R.N.: Lieutenant B. K. C. Arbuthnot, R.N.; Sergeant-Lieutenant H. G. Wells, M. 8.. B.Ch., Af.R.C.S.. L.R.C.P.. R.N.; Mr. R. D. Bald, gunner. R.N.; Air. L. J. Gilderson, warrant engineer. The Veronica carries a crew of 99 men, and will leave on May 1 for Whangaroa.