SEA CEREMONY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 May 1939, Page 7

SEA CEREMONY

BATTLECRUISER FAREWELLS THEIR MAJESTIES SCENE IN MID-ATLANTIC. CHEERS AND BAND MUSIC., By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. LONDON, May 10. The leave-taking of the escorting battleship, H.M.S. Repulse, in midAtlantic from the Royal liner Empress of Australia yesterday was unique in naval history. The liner slackened to 10 knots. In half a gale the Repulse moved up close to the port side where their Majesties were standing amidships. As the Repulse came abreast the crew cheered and a guard presented arms. The ship’s band played “God Save the King” and then struck up “Here’s a Health Unto His Majesty.” The King took moving pictures of huge seas breaking over the Repulse. A wooden barrel to which was attached red, white and blue flags, containing mail and photographs was then thrown overboard and the Repulse, by masterly manoeuvring, picked it up by hooks and then swung round to return to England. Their Majesties earlier watched the barrel filled with, among other correspondence, letters from the King and Queen to the two Princesses. NEARING AMERICA LINER PASSES THROUGH ICEFIELDS. CRUISERS GET ATLANTIC DUSTING. (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, May 10. The Empress of Australia has entered the icefields and hopes to emerge tomorrow. The sea has abated and the liner has speeded up to 18J knots. Their Majesties last evening watched the escorting cruisers enduring a typical Atlantic dusting. They are now 620 miles from America.