NEW ARRIVALS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 54, 16 July 1947, Page 2

NEW ARRIVALS

EX-SEAMAN AND FAMILY SETTLING IN WHAKATANE Recent arrivals in Whakatane are Mr C. Perkins formerly a seaman in the Royal Navy, his wife and family. t Mr Perkins joined the R.N.Z.N. at the age of fifteen and served for 22 years including the duration of World War 11.

Serving first in the Royal New Zealand Navy Mr Perkins later went to the Royal Navy. He has served in many well known vessels including the cruiser Achilles and the battleship Prince of Wales. He was aboard the former when she engaged the Graf Spee in the historic battle of the River Plate. When the Prince of Wales was destroyed by Japanese aircraft off the coast of Malaya Mr Perkins was a member of the crew. Time in England Following his demobilisation in England Mr Perkins spent a year there before returning to New Zealand. Conditions in England when he left could not have been worse, he said.

Mrs Perkins is an English bride and the couple have a young family. Though she has not seen much of this country as yet Mrs Perkins has been very impressed with what she has seen.

Mr Perkins is shortly to undergo an operation before he commences work. He has been offered a position with a local painter which he is considering taking when he is released from hospital. The Perkins family have been fortunate enough to secure a home in Landing Road and when a representative of the Beacon called they were in the midst of moving in. >