DUNEDIN’S RECALL

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 172, 11 October 1927, Page 13

DUNEDIN’S RECALL

SOUTHERN TRIP CUT SHORT OFFICIAL RETICENCE (THE SUN’S Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Monday. The sudden diversion of H.M.S. Dunedin from her Southern itinerary to Auckland waters has given rise to the speculation in some circles that the ship had received an unexpected call to the Islands, and that it was being held in readiness to save New Zealand's interests in the Pacific being prejudiced through lack of precau tionary measures. It is true that the vessel’s course is turned to Auckland, where she will remain till instructions are given by the Government for the resumption of her itinerary, which was so suddenly altered at the week-end. Official lips are sealed on the ques tion, however, and an inquiring SUN man could get no official statement from the External Affairs Department where it was implied that all was well in the garden of Samoa. The Minister of External tVffairs, the Hon, W. Nosworthy, is equally reticent: and. while admitting that he knew of the Dunedin’s altered plans merely said that the Government instructions had diverted the ship to northern waters, and on Government instructions might resume its itinerary at any time. Lobby gossip hesitates to even whisper at trouble in the mandated terri tory being of sufficient magnitude to require the services of a gunboat, because reports of the Commission’s operations in the Islands indicate that the Government defence of its administration is being thoroughly advanced. On the other hand, the New Zealand authorities must be seized with the delicacy of the position in Samoa, and Auckland is the handiest port from which to operate in the event of emergency. Gossip also links the Dunedin’s movements with the trouble in the Solomon Islands, but on this score also no official information is available.