H.M.S. DIOMEDE

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1932, Page 3

H.M.S. DIOMEDE

VISIT TO SYDNEY FOR BRIDGE OPENING. NEW ZEALAND DIVISION’S AUCKLAND, February 24. To represent the New Zealand Government at the official opening of the .Sydney harbour bridge, H.M.S. Diomede will leave Auckland for Sydney, via northern ports, to-morrow. Before the cruiser returns to Auckland, Rear-Admiral Geoffrey Blake, who will leave with the Diomede, will have relinquished the command of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, the change taking place a£ “Wellington in April. The visit to Sydney will occupy eight days, and on March 22nd., the Diomede will leave on her return trip to New Zealand. In the Dominion she will carry out the following itinerary.: —Arrive Nelson March 25th., sail March 31st; arrive Picton April Ist, sail April 9th; arrive Wellington April 9th. Over three weeks will he spent at. Wellington, during which time the warship’s crew will undergo their annual musketry course at Trentham. After exercises the warship will leave Wellington on May 2nd, and return to Auckland on May 4th. During the Diomede’s stay at AVctlington, Bear-Admiral Blake will relinquish his position, after completing over two and a-half years as Commodore in command of the New Zealand Division. The command will he taken over by Captain Fischer Burgess-Wat-son, D. 5.0., who will arrive at Wellington from London by the Bangitata on April 14th. Bear-Admiral Blake will leave New Zealand for England via. Vancouver, and will sail in the Aorangi, which will leave Auckland early in May.