H.M.S. VERONICA

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1921, Page 2

H.M.S. VERONICA

RETURN FROM ISLANDS. 'AUCKLAND, August 4. H.M.S. Veronica has arrived in Auckland from an extended tour of the Pacific Islands. Since leaving Auckland! on March 28th, the Veronica has made a very complete tour of the Fiji and other groups. Arriving in Suva on April 3rd. from Auckland, the vessel vistide Levuka!, Savtt Savu, Waiyevo, Korao, Kandavu, Lakeba, and other places. On May 11th. the Veronica left Suva for Levuka, Kandavu, Lakeba, Korao, and Totova, and intended visiting Vavftti and the Tongan group, but unfortunately a wireless message was received to the effect that, owing to the measles epidemic in Fiji the ship could not visit Tonga. THE NIUE INCIDENT.

The arrangement then made was for the Veronica to proceed to Savaii, Samoa, and take the Administrator on a round of inspection. Again the plans were upset, and this time by tin dent that might have been very serious. The vessel, lying at anchor at Totoya, intercepted the following message from Nine: “Native policeman murdered. All whites unarmed.” The warship proceeded to Niue immediately to quell the trouble the wireless message spoke of Arriving at Niue on May 16th., the trouble was found to he less serious than expected. Half the island sided with the murderer, and the other half against him. The Veronica landed rifles and ammunition, and waited until the trouble had cleared away. ELECTRICAL 'STORM.

On June 28th. the Veronica arrived at Papeete- harbour, and a very enjoyable few days were spent with the French inhabitants, who rejoiced in extending hospitality to all on board. The warship left Papeete on July Ist. for Palmerston and on July 2nd., experienced an extralordinary electrical storm. The night was a moonlight one, and the sea calm, the lightning flashed all round the horizon, helping the moon to illuminate the calmness of the sea and sky. Suddenly the wind sprang up to the force of half a gale, and a perfect deluge of rain descended There were three or four loud claps of thunder. Tn about half an hour the storm subsided as suddenly as it had arisen. At Palmerston it was found that the Commissioner had died 'nearly six months previously, and, owing to the absence of means of communication, the news could not he conveyed to the outside world

The warship arrived at Levuka on July loth., after a very pleasant cruise among tlie other islands. She left ,Suva finally for Auckland last Monday.