TRIP TO OPOTIKI

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 6, 17 March 1947, Page 5

TRIP TO OPOTIKI

THRILL FOR SEA SCOUTS GUESTS ON NAVAL LAUNCH “I see that the name of your troop is the ‘Achilles Troop/ and that you carry an ensign presented to you by her officers and men,” said Lieutenant Turner of the naval patrol launch, when inspecting the local Sea Scout Troop on thje wharf last Saturday. “You should be very proud of that name, and endeavour to always live up to the fine reputation which the H.M.S. Achilles established. She fought right through the last war and shje never gave up. That’s what you boys should do. Never give up.”

The event was a red letter day for the boys, who had been invited by the officers to make the trip to Opotiki, the next port of call, and to inspect the vessel wh(ile at sea. Moving aboard they formed up on the after part and stood to attention as the launch slipped down the harbour behind the Port Whfakatanue. The sight was quite impressive and, for Whakatane, unique. A large crowd had assembled, and from the handwaving which took place as the vessel drew away it was obvious that her small crew had established many friendships during their comparatively short stay. At the Heads, another crowd waved farewell, and as the Port slipped her tow-rope, the powerful screws of the launch bit deep into the blue. Describing a graceful curve, and gathering momentum, she cut a neat picture as she disappeared around the headland.