Blackpool News

Gisborne's adopted ship, the frigate H.M.N.Z.S. Blackpool, will soon arrive in New Zealand waters for the first time.

After going to the Far East last November the Blackpool relieved H.M.N.Z.S. Otago as part of New Zealand's contribution to the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve.

The Blackpool's arrival had a startling effect on the Singapore sporting scene. After only six weeks the frigate's rugby side defeated a Joint Services team by a margin of 13 points.

The ship also emerged victorious from a sports competition involving seven ships of the Second Destroyer Squadron.

While on the Far East Station, Black-pool has proved herself equal to all ships of the Far East Fleet in exercises with other ships and aircraft.

On arrival in N.Z. waters, Blackpool will Undergo self maintenance at Auckland then visit Gisborne early in July.