H.M.S. DIOMEDE.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1926, Page 4

H.M.S. DIOMEDE.

NEW ZEALAND NAVV. VISIT OF LOUD JELLICOE. | LONDON, Nov. 21. ' H.M.S. Diomede is out of the hands of the repairer and is somewhere in the Channel undergoing her trials. 'Phis does not mean that the last coat, of paint has been applied, the brass burnished, and every gadget fixed. It is not by any means the proverbial spick and span ship of the Royal Navy just at the present lime, hut it will he before it reaches the shores of New Zeaand. It is hardly conceivable what an amount of work is entailed in reconditioning a ship. V ork has gone so far forward that the rest may be done by the ship’s company on the high seas.

On the day before the Diomede sailed on her trials Lord -fellieoe paid a visit to tho cruiser, which lay in the Portsmouth. Naval Docks. Lady Jollicoo and their son accompanied him. The Admiral inspected the ship’s company. a- fine body of men. ft was a very thorough inspection. He spoke to maiiv of the 420 ratings. He inspected the cruiser itself, and then took the opportunity of wishing the eopnmny Godspeed.' The officers and men were assembled at the stern. “it was a great privilege.” he said, “that Captain Ritchie has granted me, to come here to-day and to have an opportunity of going round your fine ship, and of wishing you Godspeed before you go out to New Zealand. . This visit'reminds me of a farewell visit I paid to H.M.S. Dunedin, the flagship of the New Zealand Division, before I returned’ to England. I am very glad indeed tr. know that New Zealand has acquired a second cruiser to add to hoi Division. The Division made a magnificent start as a separate and independent portion of the Royal Navy. It has been my privilege to watch its development from its inception. Under Admiral Hotliam it made a splendid start. The officers and men put theii will and hearts into their work. 'I heir example has been lollowed by the officers and men of the Dunedin, the

result being that the name of the Royal Navy stands high indeed amongst the New Zealand people, and very deservedly so. high standard of dominion NAVY. “I feel quite sure you of the Diomede will do your utmost to uphold that splendid reputation which has already been earned by the Navy out there. It will not be an easy task, for

a high standard has already been set. 1 have never seen so many badges amongst a ship’s company than 1 have to-day. There is more than one badge per man. I think you will do your best to live up to the people who have gone before you. In starting a new force like the New Zealand Division the highest possible example should he set, The New Zealand ratings have do no extremely well in the Dominion, and they have done extremely well when they have come here to the schools, f am sure you officers and men of the Royal Navy will do your utmost to maintain the splendid tradition set by your predecessors in the New Zealand Division. “You will find a tremendous welcome. The people of New Zealand aio very warm-hearted. You will have great hospitality bestowed upon you. There is sometimes a little danger in too much hospitality, and I would just like to warn you to be very carotin not to abuse that hospitality. Just one instance of tlm generosity shown I)*- the people of New Zealand and towards the Navy I must mention. Tho 1 hmedin star tod a ship’s hand, and the people of Dunedin contributed £650 and bought them a complete set of instillments. That is the sort of thing the New Zealanders do for the Koval Navy. “Those of you who are remaining 111 the Dominion will probably iollow the example of belli the officers and men of the Chatham and Dunedin, who have f.,k,.|i to themselves same of the best Prides in the Dominion of New Zealand. 1 wish von luck- -those who follow their example. In bidding you farewell—those who remain in Now Zeeland and those who will come hack __l wish von the host possible luck.” Lord an’d Lady dollicoe lunched on hoard with Captain Ritchie, and as the visitor.- left the whole ship’s company assembled in the hows and cheered them heartily. A FINK SKA SI lII’.

According to- one ol the officers who served in the Diomede in the China station she is a wonderful sea ship. Like all her class the forward part of the tied; slopes to a. height considerably above He rest, of the deck, and the hows are incurved, so that, piaet.ically no water is taken over in the heaviest seas. In nautical phraseology she has ••trawler bows.” Another distinction of the cruiser is that she has a gun in the hows capable of firing at a "higher trajectory than any other naval gun. Most gnus have a splinterproof shelter open at the back, but this has a compartment over the breech of the gun for the guilders, anil they arc thus protected entirely from the waves' and spray. They work, of (purse, according to instructions from the fire-control officer. The very latest and host of wireless apparatus has been installed. There are live sets besides a wireless teleplume which is capable of working oiei tin area ol two miles. All cooking is .done by means of oil fuel. { Interesting trophies of the war will . he two ships’ hells which are going to j Auckland. One is being presented ro the Jubilee Institute for the Blind by j Admiral of the Fleet. Lord Jelheoe. i and for the second one the money has I Icon locally raised. Their war services were registered in If.ALS. Laurel and The idea, it is understood. originated with Air Clutha AfacKenzie. Lord Jellicoo made it lus pleasant business to gratify the No" Zealander’s wish, and he accordingly approached-the Admiralty.