NAVAL SQUADRON.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 413, 21 April 1937, Page 6

NAVAL SQUADRON.

RETURN VOYAGE. Leaving Auckland To-day. Press Association-—Copyright. Auckland, April 20. Led by destroyers, the. Australian aaval squadron ••will leave Auckland to-morrow morning on its return voyage across the Tasman. Officers and men of all six ships unite in describing their New Zealand cruise as an outstanding tupcess from s>flart to finish and in expressing deep graititud§ for the hospitality extended to them at Auckland. There was another busy day in the squadron to-day. The round of entertainments and tports fixtures ashore was maintained, the most notable event being -a Rugby match between the Australian squadron and the New Zealand Division of the Navy. This was won by New Zealand by 14 points to 12. During the afternoon a large number of invited guests visited the Canberra, 'where an “at home” was given by the officers. During the morning a conference wag held on board the Canberra between commandinjg officers and staff ' officers regarding

strategical exercises which were carried out by the Australian <and New Zealand ships before the visiting squadron reached Wellington. Three amphibian machines from warships in port also engaged in practice formation flying over lhe city, but owing to low clouds the conditions were not altogether ideal. Shore leave -wag again given to-night to Australian ratings and bluejackets thronged the city for their final night ashore in New Zealand. All hands will have to be back on board early in the .morning as steam will have to be raised and the thips- prepared for sea.