the Tropics

Australian Warships in the Tropics

/BRUISERS of the Australian Naval Squadron made official visits to Papua and New Guinea during Sep tember.

H.M.A.S. Canberra, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R. H. O. Lane-Poole, C. 8., 0.8. E., and H.M.A.S. Stuart arrived at Port Moresby on September 12. After the formalities were completed, the town’s sporting facilities were placed at the dis posal of the naval men, who made the most of the opportunity.

A dinner party was given by the Acting-Governor (Hon. H. W. Champion) to the Admiral and several of his officers; while a successful dance was held for the sailors at the Institute Hall. The towns people were entertained later at a concert on the Canberra.

On September 16 the two warships de parted for Samarai, in the Eastern Divi sion, whence the Stuart returned to Sydney and the Canberra proceeded on to New Guinea, arriving at Rabaul on the 19th.

Her presence in Simpson Harbour created much interest as she was the first Australian war vessel to call at Rabaul for some years. Admiral Lane- Poole, with his officers, went to Bita Paka where he placed a wreath on the memorial marking the locality where Australians fought their first action in the Great War, in 1914. The ratings were enter tained at a swimming carnival and other sports.

On the eve of the flagship’s arrival, the Acting-Administrator (Chief Judge Wan liss) was ordered to hospital by his medical adviser, so the duties of host at

the official dinner were carried out by Judge F. B. Phillips.

The Canberra sailed for Noumea, New Caledonia, on September 22.