N.Z. Frigates Leave England

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 October 1948, Page 6

N.Z. Frigates Leave England

(N.Z.P.A.—Special correspondent.) LONDON, Oct. 18.—A hclicoptei hovered above the flotilla of Nev. Zealand frigates taking a film, when the ships sailed from Portland foi the Mediterranean to exercise before proceeding to Auckland, where they are due on January 5. Another film of the ships was taken from a Royal Navy motor torpedo-boat which led the frigates out of the port. On the night before the ships sailed Mr. J. J. Robertson, joint Undersecretary of State for Scotland, presented each vessel with a photograph of the Scottish Loch, after which it was previously named—Eck, Shin, Achray, and Achanalt—and the High Commissioner for New Zealand, Mr. Jordan, handed them coloured photographs of the New Zealand lakes whose names they have now taken. Mr, Robertson, in bidding the officers and crews bon voyage, emphasised the strong Scottish tradition linking the Dominion with the Old Country, and mentioned that his mother, aged 73, had sailed for the Dominion to live in Wellington with relatives. Mr. Jordan signalled the frigates as they were proceeding out of the harbour, conveying the good wishes of the Prime Minister and himself, and adding that he was sure they would be happy ships.