H—s

6. In January, February, and March, 1946, the cruiser, H.M.S. " Swiftsure," and two sloops, H.M.S. " Amethyst" and H.M.S. " Alacrity," sailed for Auckland to refit; and in March the light aircraft carrier, H.M.S. " Glory," arrived in Auckland for the purpose of transporting planes to Japan. 7. The " showing of the flag " visit from the cruiser, H.M.S. " Belfast," at Dunedin, Wellington, and Napier in early March concluded the visits from units of the British Pacific Fleet to New Zealand for the year ending 31st March. 8. The gradual movement of the United States Fleet farther north resulted in a smaller proportion of visits from United States ships. The U.S.S. " Vincennes," however, paid her first visit to New Zealand in November, arriving at Auckland on 11th November and sailing from Wellington on 26th November. She returned again on sth February, 1946, to Wellington and Auckland on a Good-will visit, and finally sailed from New Zealand for the United States a week later. SECTION V.—H.M.N.Z.S. " PHILOMEL " Change of Command Consequent on the cessation of hostilities and a reduction in naval activities in the Auckland District, Commodore W. K. D. Dowding, D.S.C., was relieved for reversion to the Royal Navy, and Captain D. A. Bingley, 0.8. E., R.N., combined the duties of Naval Officer in Charge, Auckland, and Captain Superintendent of the Dockyard. It was then necessary to transfer the naval staff from Mechanics Bay to offices in the Naval Base. This change took effect on 7th January, 1946. Closing of Out-stations 2. The following out-stations in the Auckland District were closed down on the cessation of hostilities : Naval transit camp. Purewa W/T Station. Port-war signal station and Cape Brett Signal Station. All radar stations. Welfare and General Amenities 3. The chapel, gymnasium, recreation-rooms, and canteens were all used extensively throughout the year, and the facilities available for ratings who spend their leisure in the Base have proved to be popular. Sport 4. Facilities have been provided for all major outdoor sporting activities. Teams from the Base have performed creditably in competition games. Maintenance of Buildings 5. The general appearance of the Base is satisfactory, but the main buildings are in need of painting. Approval has been obtained to proceed with the painting of both interior and exterior woodwork as soon as labour is available. Training 6. Training of stoker, W/T, V/S, and gunnery ratings has proceeded steadily throughout the year, the number of failures in qualifying examinations being very low.

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