THE ARRIVAL OF H.M.S. DRAKE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1501, 25 July 1912, Page 6

THE ARRIVAL OF H.M.S. DRAKE.

SHIFriNG THE BASE. (By ToloEraDli.—Press Assootatlon.) ■ Auckland, July 24. • The new- flagship of the Australian Squadron, 11.M.5. Drake, with ViceAdmiral Sir ■ Goo. King-Hall oil board, arrived from Suva this morning. Tlio visit of the Admiral on this occasion is purely an official one in connection with' tho approaching removal of the naval baso from Sydney to Auckland. When Captain Rolleston was in Auckland so pi *3 timo ago ho inspected tho sites of buildings that will bo necessary for housing stores, etc., and tho Admiral has como across to make final inspection before matters are submitted to tho Admiralty. Temporary accommodation lias also to be arranged for tho stores, ctc as permanent buildings will not bo erected ill time, and to meet this want the Auckland Harbour Board has placed' a large shed at the disposal of the Admiralty, a, courtesy which is much appreciated by tho authorities. It was thought in somo quarters that there would be need lor an Admiralty House, but it is not probable that such will ba the case. Tho licet to bo stationed here will, in reality be a detachment of the China Squadron, although .its distance from headquarters will practically make a separate tleet of lK Still it is moro than likely that it will be in command of the senior officer ; whose headquarters will be his own ship. When the new order of things conies into force, next April, there will lie no ship of the Drake's size in these waters, so that more than usual interest attaches tj her present visit. The crew of the flagship IS now busy getting into form for big gun firing, which takes place at J«rois Eay. south of Sydney, towards the end of next month. There is keen rivalry between the ships on the various stations, and the ships of the Australasian Squadron have, ou more than one occtis'.on, well maintained the reputations of theso waters. The Drake remains in Waitemata Harbour until Monday next, and between liow and jailing time the Admiral will have his time so taken, up with business connected with, visits of inspection, etc., that he will bo unable to inako any more engagements.