Operation "Whaleboat"

For her second visit to Gisborne, H.M.N.Z.S. "Endeavour", the ninth vessel to bear that name in the Royal Navy, was playing a very different role from that on her first visit here.

For on this occasion she was the bearer of an historic relic for the Gisborne museum, the whaleboat, "Greyhound", a gift from the people of Te Kaha.

"Endeavour" arrived at 7.00am, officially handed over her significant cargo at 9.30am and sailed the following morning.

A moderately large crowd gathered at the harbour for the official "handing-over" ceremony at 9.30am.

Crowd seemed as much interested in the Photo News camera as in the whaleboat which is shown on deck at far right.

Commander J. E. Washbourn, of H.M.N.Z.S."Endeavour", officially handed the "Greyhound" over. He conveyed the good wishes of the Apanui tribe, who made a gift of the whaleboat. Also in the official party are Mr. L. Fowler, the Mayor Mr Barker, Mr H. Paenga, who represented Maori people, and Dr A. L. Singer, director of Gisborne museum.