DIOMEDE RETURNS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1932, Page 6

DIOMEDE RETURNS

A SUCCESSFUL CRUISE.

MANY ISLANDS- VISITED

AUCKLAND, August 26,

After an extended cruise in the Pacific “showing the flag” at many of the remoter corners of the Empire, the Diomede returned to port this morning. The cruise was highly successful. Drill and manoeuvres were carried out as occasion offered, and calls at seldom visited islands gave great pleasure to the lonely Islanders, to many of whom the Navy represents the Empire. The last group on the warship’s itinerary was Fiji, where-17 days were spent, 13 at Suva, in company with the Laburnum, and the rerained at Lautoka, in -company with the Veronica. The flagship left Suva on August 17th, in company with the Laburnham, and the two carried out a shoot en route.

' At Lautoka the ships met the Veronica and anionpr other events possession of the coveted Veronic Chip was decided. The cup was the gift of the Auckland branch of the Navy League, in recognition of the services of the squadron during the earthquake at Napier in February, 1931. The ownership of the trophy was decided on th points system for two -Sailing races and one rowing race. The events werp keenly contested and there were some very close finishes. The points were: -Veronica. 7; Laburnum, 6; Diomede, 5. Before the Diomede sailed for New Zealand, she carried out miniature bombardment practice. The Laburnum sailed the same day for Ellington Island, and four days later the Veronica proceeded to Suva.