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Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1927, Page 2

Few days in a lifetime could have been better spent than Saturday, 30th October. when by special arrangement, under the auspices of the Government Hospitality Department, the Dominion Prime Alinisters and the other members of the Dominion Delegations travelled by train to Portland to spend the day on H.AI.S. ‘'Revenge,” the Flagship of the Atlantic Fleet. Submarines in action, the firing of torpedoes, depth charges, attacks by destroyers, and concentration firing by the battlecruiser squadron at a range of 13.000 yards, were among the items of a programme full of instructive incident. Submarines were soon visible diving and leaving no trace of their whereabouts save their periscopes, difficult enough to detect amid the splashing of small waves upon the ocean’s surface. Ahead could he seen the “ Furious.” and closer scrutiny disclosed to view the sea-planes being launched into the air from this curiouslv-shaped seaplane carrier. The machines appeared one after another like so many wasps emerging from their nest. Reconnaissance work was carried out. after which these eyes of the Navy returned to roost upon the “ Furious,” and the Revenge,” with paravanes out, passed quietly through a minefield, previ-

otislv swept and buoyed by the minesweeper flotilla. The torpedo attack which took place after lunch was of great interest, and at least two hits were registered on the “ Revenge ” as we sped on our way. A target was now to he seen being towed across our stern some four miles to the north. The Battle Cruiser Squadron, some five miles to our south, headed by the sth Destroyer Flotilla and a screen of cruisers came into position, opening lire on the target. Lurid flashes from the guns. Distances at sea are deceptive, and it was somewhat surprising at first to* note the period which elapsed between the gun-flash and the splash of foam around the target. Another curious thing to note was in connection with the depth charges, causing, as

each (I'M a low mound of water to rise from the sea. This was followed l>v n thunderous shaking of the armoured walls of the “ Revenge,” after which a huge upheaval of water appeared where we had seen the low watery mound outside. These depth charge's exploded nearly three miles away from the ” Revenge.”