DESTROYER MAORI

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 81, 11 July 1941, Page 6

DESTROYER MAORI

New Zealand Decorations Sought “ADOPTION” SUGGESTED An appeal for New Zealand photographs and Maori curios with which to decorate the wardroom of an important destroyer flotilla leader is made in a letter received by the mayor of New Plymouth, Mr. Gilmour, from a former New Plymouth man now serving at Home .with the Royal Navy. The writer is Lieutenant H. R. W Higgins, R.N.V.R., in command of 11.M.5. Melona. who makes the appeal on behalf of the first lieutenant of H.M.S. Maori. - His letter states: —

“As a New Zealander (New Plymouth) at present in command of- one of His- Majesty's ships. I am writing to enlist your aid in the following matter. A personal friend of mine is serving as first lieutenant of 11.M.S Maori, an important destroyer flotilla leader. lie writes:

‘We are very desirous of getting some interest from New Zealand and of being ‘adopted’ in order to obtain some real Maori souvenirs for the wardroom; for example, Maori dress, spears, mats, anything- to create an atmosphere suitable to the name she bears.’

•‘He then describes how the Zulu, another destroyer in his flotilla, is very well rigged in that respect, and asks me to do what I can. I suggest, sir, that here is a wonderful opportu nity to display the glories of Tara naki, as well as New Zealand in general, before the officers of the Royal Navy. She is an important ship, often carrying very senior officers on board.

Photographs of Egmont.

•‘I have already communicated with the High Commissioner for New Zealand here, hoping he will send some framed photographs, specially of Mount Egmont. Of course, whatever is sent must be suitable for hanging and screwing to the bulkhead of the wardroom. They would look nice if suitably labelled. I wonder whether Mr. W. H. Skinner (noted writer on Maori history) could do anything? At any rate, I shall leave the matter with you, trusting that you can help them out.

Enclosed in the letter was a letterhead of the destroyer Maori, on which is embossed a shield hearing a tiki. Above is the . ship’s name surmounted by a decoration of Maori design into which have been worked two" sails.

Part In Bismarck Battle.

Mr. Gilmour said that Mr. S. Teed, New Plymouth, had promised the gift

of a photograph of Mount Egmont and another resident had promised a Maori mat. He appealed to those able to assist to forward gifts to him. At the request of Lieutenant Higgins, they will be sent to him where he is permanently stationed and then handed on to the Maori, which, because of the nature of its work, is not easily contacted directly from the Dominion. The Maori was among the destroy ers in the chase which ended in the destruction of the German battleship Bismarck on Monday, May 26. The Bismarck was attacked with torpedoe.by the. Zulu. Maori and Cossack, Tribal Class destroyers. The Cossack and the Maori each hit with one torpedo After the .Maori's attack it was reported that there was a fire on the fore castle of the Bismarck. The Bismarck struggled o,n and' it was not till the following morning that she was brought finally ’to bay and sent to the! bottom.

Officer: Why weren’t you at rollcall last night?” / Private: “I was making my way back to camp, sir, but it’s so well camouflaged, it took me hours to find it!” -