The Navy Visits Gisborne

With a spirit of goodwill matched only by the enthusiasm of the Gisborne public, H.M.N.Z.S. Hawea steamed into the harbour this month on a three-day visit.

For children –– and adults too –– there is always fascination in a ship. Despite a grey, chilly day, scores of people gathered at the wharf to view her arrival, pictured here. And over 700 went aboard to inspect the frigate more closely.

Most thrilled of all by the ship's visit was a group of Heritage children –– the sons and daughters of deceased servicemen.

With their mothers, they went aboard Hawea before she sailed and were taken on a memorable cruise out into the roadstead.

It was a thrilling experience they are never likely to forget. On this and following pages, "Photo News" records their adventure.

Out in the bay, the Kaiwaka was waiting to take the visitors back to land.

There was a nostalgic note in the final blasts of the ship's siren as Hawea said goodbye and set course for North Auckland.

The elusive sun broke through the mist to highlight this colourful scene as Hawea prepared to leave. Big crowd on wharf watched sailors cast off

Outside waterfront commission office, these people had grandstand view as tug Takitimu swung Hawea's bow towards channel

Captain of the ship is Lieutenant-Commander W. J. Brown, pictured on the bridge as Hawea nosed her way out of the harbour.
Both officers and men found warm hospitality in Gisborne after their trip from Raoul.