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[Page 27]
1914.
steam. However, with the aid of oil fuel we managed to put along at 16 knots, but only by sheer hard work on the part of the stokers. All the way to Noumea we were fortunate enough to run into the cool south east trade wind, which made life on board a little more pleasant.
Aug. 21.
On our arrival at Noumia, after a 5 day's passage, we found quite a presentable fleet waiting for us, consisting of "Psyche", "Pyramus", & "Philomel", all belonging to the New Zealand Navy, Two transports with New Zealand troops on board, and the French flagship criuser "Montcalm". We started coaling at once, and at the end of 20 hours we had taken in 2400 tons. Courtesy visits took place between the French Admiral and our own. The French Admiral was anxious to know if we had killed any Germans in New Britain, and expressed his keenness if geting in touch with the German cruisers.
Aug. 22.
Next morning "Montcalm" went out for gunnery practice, it being 2 years since she had fired her guns. In the afternoon I went ashore for a few hours. The town of Noumea is not particularly imposing. The only decent building is the Roman Catholic cathedral. The Club is small, but very comfortable. I should think that the population numbers about 6000, composed chiefly of French, blacks, & Malays, with a few Chinese. The town was very gay with French & English flags