" His friends in Palmerston North will regret the untimely death of Seaman Russell Pickin, of H.M.S. Achilles, which occurred in hospital in Auckland, on Wednesday last. Seaman Pickin was aged 17 years and joined the Navy two years ago, receiving his early training on H.M.S. Philomel at the Devonport Naval Base, Auckland. Later, he joined H.M.S. Achilles as' a gunner. Seaman Pickin, who formerly lived with his father, Mr. H. A. Pickin, of Lombard Street, was educated at the Central School. He was very popular among his shipmates on the Achiles and many expressions of sympathy have been received from them by his father. Seaman Pickin spent his last holidays in Palmerston North and had recently returned from a cruise of the Pacific Islands. "

MANAWATU STANDARD, VOLUME LIX, ISSUE 240, 9 SEPTEMBER 1939, PAGE 2