VICE-REGAL TOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 August 1939, Page 7

VICE-REGAL TOUR

RETURN FROM PACIFIC ISLANDS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND. August 18. Considerable admiration for the manner in which the Governor-General and Viscountess Galway paid their visits to the islands in the South Pacific during the cruise of the Achilles was expressed by members of the ship’s company after the warship returned to port. Lord and Lady Galway were brought across to the city shortly after the cruiser berthed, being given a salute as they left the cruiser. They left tonight by train for Wellington. Their Excellencies took an interest in the welfare of ratings. Every Saturday the captain makes an inspection of the ship, and on the first Saturday at sea their Excellencies accompanied Captain Parry round the mess decks and bathrooms to see how the men lived. Last Sunday the ship’s company marched past Lord Galway at the salute. The Achilles visited 17 islands in six weeks, and everywhere the native population gave the Governor-General glad assurances of their loyalty to the British Empire. They coupled with this their readiness to take part in its defence, and at many ports the visitors were impressed by signs of military training. Exceptionally good weather accompanied the vessel on its cruise, and even coming down from Niue the weather was so calm that the warship was able to reach port on Thursday night, anchoring between Tiritiri and Rangitoto till this morning, when it berthed. When Lord and Lady Galway arrived at the city they were met by the Mayor. Sir Ernest Davis, the chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, Mr. Darlow, and officijds.