H.M.S. TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 49, 17 December 1952, Page 3

H.M.S. TAUPO

Reception To Frigate's Commander Taking advantage of his brief stay at the auto park in Taupo on holiday, an imprcmptu civic reception was tendered by the Taupo Town Board on Sunday afternoon last to the Commander of the N.Z. Frigate, Taupo, Commander Hartopp, Mrs Hartopp and her small daughver Chistina. On account of the rain, a parade of the Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, arranged to take place before the reception was transferred to Rickit's Hall where the companies were given a short interesting talk by Commander Hartopp. The reception was given in the council room of the Town Board Offices. Those present included: The Chairman of the Board, Mr J. E. and Mrs Story; The Deputy Chairman, Mr J. D. Swan and Mrs Swan; Miss K. O. Lewis; Mr and Mrs W. G. Morris, Mr and Mirs K. E. Young; Mr and Mrs C. R. Vedder; Mr and Mrs L. E. Pearse; Mr ToVepe (Town Clerk) and Mrs Torepe; Mrs Peart (Captain of the Girl Guides); Scoutmaster Harding of the Boy Scouts, and Mirs Harding; Mr R. H. Ward, Mr E. Yates, Mr W. K. Francis and Mr J. R. Osborne, Headmaster of Taupo District High School.

The proceedings were pleasantly informal. After introductions all round and afternoon tea, the Chairman made a brief speech of welcome to the guests on behalf of the people of Taupo. Mr S'torey said that though the N.Z. people were far cystant from the danger area, they were deeply cohscious of the proteetion afforded by the Navy and regarded with appreciation and admiration the part played by the ships of the Royal N.Z. Navy in Korean waters. He concluded by extending a hearty welcome to the Commander of the ship thaf bore the name of Taupo to his wife and daughter (applause). In reply, Commander Hartopp, excused his somewhat informal attir'e. He was on a camping holiday and had been caught on the hop. He thanked his hosts for their very warm welcome which he and his wife appreciated very much. He touched briefly on the part played by the Taupo in Korean waters. The ship had a prolonged spell of duty, some 53,000 miles and was overdue for refit. He recalled that to keep the ship seaworthy she had had some 300 new rivets in her hull. As the ship was now scheduled for immediate refit he did not think Taupo would hear much about her for the nexf two years. He himself quite expected to be posted for other duties. He again thanked his hosts for their friendly welcome.