DEPARTURE OF H.M.S. NELSON.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 298, 12 September 1888, Page 6

DEPARTURE OF H.M.S. NELSON.

H.M.s. Nelson, which has rated as flagship on the Ameiican station since 1831, has sailed ivom Sydney for Portsmouth via Mauiitius and Capetown under the command of Captain Abwell 1\ -M. Lake. Considerable interest was manifested in the departure of the good ship, and from early morn until the appointed houi of bailing there was a constant stream of -\ ibitois to the vessel to wish the oflicer.-, and men bon royaye. The Cove Avas fairly alive with boats, both large and small, and tlnoughoub the day the scene was a mo?t animated one. It was announced that the Nel&on would sail at 5 o'clock, but Jong before that hour Fort Macquaiie and Mrs Maequaiie\s Chair were crowded with the friendb of the homeward- boundeis. Those of the number who were unable to get alloat contented themselves by waving their handkerchiefs as a signal of faieweil, and the people on board replied in a like manner. When the Nelson slipped from her moorings at a given signal the men mounted the ligging and exchanged chectfe with the diffeient ships in the Cove. At the mast heads and yardarms of the Nelson men bearing flags were to be seen, and as the good old ship Waited ahead the usual custom ot thiowing a cock from the masthead was resorted to, the bird fortunately landing on the deck of the new flagship Orlando. On passing Fort Macquane cheer* weie exchanged with the crowd on shore, and at Forb Denison the boatmen formed two deep and as the Nelson steamed between cheered lustily. The vessel was then headed clown the harbour, and with the waving of hands and handkerchiefs the last adieu x were made.