NEW LINER

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20735, 20 February 1939, Page 8

NEW LINER

MEMORABLE FAREWELL BOUND FOR THE DOMINION PERSONALITIES ON BOARD I (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Monday A wireless message received by "the United Press Association from the Dominion Monarch states an enthusiastic farewell was given the liner when she started her voyage from England, linking New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the Mother Country for the first time by direct service. Aircraft and tugs escorted the Dominion Monarch down the Thames and and Worcester cadets lined the rails and cheered the passing liner, which is partly officered by former Worcester men. More aircraft, tugs and small craft escorted the liner down Southampton Water, the planes diving in salute overhead. The passengers ffaped as the supermarine Spitfire, Britain’s fastest fighter, streaked overhead at enormous speed with a shattering roar. The pilot was dropped off at Nab Tower and Captain Hartman gave the order “Full speed all engines,” while the pilot and the boat’s siren wailed farewell and the flags fluttered “Good Luck” at her masthead. The Dominion Monarch rapidly gathered speed, doing 18 knots against a strong head breeze and rough sea. The engines are not running at their maximum power. Notabilities aboard include Viscount Rotherrnere, Admiral Sir E. Gaunt and Sir Norman Leslie. Among the liner’s total of 220 passengers are 25 German and Jewish refugees for Australia and lour fur New Zealand.