H—s

H.M.N.Z.S. "Arbutus" 2. H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus," commanded by Lieutenant-Commander J. F. A. O'Neil, D.S.C., R.N.Z.N., after working-up in the Hauraki Gulf, was despatched on a goodwill ■cruise to the islands in the New Zealand dependencies of the Cook and Samoan Group and to French Oceania, American Samoa, and the British Crown colony of Fiji, departing from Wellington on 20th September, 1946. Arrangements were made to transport the French Minister, Monsieur Gazel, from Rarotonga to Papeete. Whilst H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus " was at Papeete an official request was received from His Excellency the Governor of Tahiti for H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus " to carry out a search for a missing French schooner. Approval having been granted by the New Zealand Naval Board, " Arbutus " proceeded to sea to carry out the search. After about twenty-four hours searching it was discovered that the schooner, which had been considered lost, had altered her itinerary, and, therefore, no further action was taken. " Arbutus " then completed her cruise, and arrived back in Auckland on Ist December, 1946. 3. In January, 1947, " Arbutus " carried out exercises in the Hauraki Gulf, and also attended the ceremony commemorating the landing of the first Governor, Captain Hobson, R.N., at Waitangi, returning from there to Auckland to act as flag-ship at the annual Kawau regatta. H.M.N.Z.S. " Hautapu " 4. H.M.N.Z.S. " Hautapu " was recommissioned at Auckland on 30th April, 1946, and sailed on 17th May for Timaru, from where she worked under the direction of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on radar research experiments, an operation designated " the Canterbury Project." From that period to 31st March, 1947, " Hautapu " has carried out valuable work in this connection. H.D.M.L.s 5. H.D.M.L.s 1183 and 1184 have been in full commission since July, 1946. H.D.M.L. 1183 has been used on full-time fishery-protection duties, and H.D.M.L. 1184 has carried out other operational requirements and relieving on fishery-protection patrols during the slipping, refitting, and leave periods of H.D.M.L. 1183. Both H.D.MX.s were present at the Waitangi celebrations and have completed cruises to ports in the Auckland Command Area to " show the flag " and to assist in local regattas and anniversaries. These visits have always been greatly appreciated. Vessels in Reserve 6. In June, 1946, H.M.N.Z. vessels in reserve consisted of four Scottish Isles Class A/S M/S vessels, and three LL Sweepers, one of which, the " Manuka," was transferred under charter to Chatham Islands Fisheries in September, 1946. During June and July, 1946, the following ships of the 25th A/S M/S Flotilla were transferred from active commission to reserve: H.M.N.Z.S. " Arabis," H.M.N.Z.S. " Kiwi," H.M.N.Z.S. " Tui," H.M.N.Z.S, " Waipu," H.M.N.Z.S. "Waima," and H.M.N.Z.S. " Waiho." Of these, the last three ships were later transferred to the War Assets Realization Board for disposal. There are also at present three H.D.M.L.s in reserve. As previously stated, H.M.S. " Black Prince " was transferred from the Royal Navy to reserve in the Royal New Zealand Navy. SECTION IV.—VISITS OF BRITISH AND ALLIED SHIPS During the period Ist April, 1946, to 31st March, 1947, New Zealand ports have not experienced as many visits from British and Allied warships as in the corresponding period of the previous year.

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