NEARING GOOD-BYE.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 114, 15 May 1924, Page 7

NEARING GOOD-BYE.

PARTY ON THE HOOD.

LOWER DECK "lAT HOME."

RETURN FROM ROTORTTA.

CHILDREN ABOARD REPULSE

After the steady stream of children in the morning and adults in the afternoon that yesterday surged towards the Hood, there was an almost Sunday calm about the big ship this morning. This afternoon, however, the busy scene began again as the guests of the sailors assembled for the "At Home." The men have made miany friend 3in Auckland and so there was a large crowd on board. In addition to showing the guests over the ship, or such parts as are open to the public, there was dancing, and excellent refreshments were served. Although Auckland's hospitality to the men of the Fleet has not been so obvious as it was in some of the other ports visited—there being very few of those "organised entertainments" which are usual, such as drives in tram cars and picnics—the men say they much prefer to wander about and find their own pleasure. That they have made quite a lot of friends was quite plain from the number of invitations issued for this afternoon's party. The sailors looked well after their guests, and a most enjoyable time was spent. A children's party on board the Repulse was given this-afternoon by the officers of the Fleet. His Excellency the Governor-General and Viscountess Jellicoe were present. The youngsters spent a delightful time on the big ship, and thoroughly enjoyed the cunning -arrangements provided on board for the amusement of small people. The first party of officers and men

that went to Rotorua returned yesterday evening, and this morning the second partys consisting of eighteen officers and two hundred and fifty men. Other events to-day include shooting trips for some of the officers, football and golf.

Vice-Admiral Field and the Commodore of the Chatham this morning paid a-visit to'the naval yard at Calliope Dock. A dinner to the Admirals and officers of the Fleet ■will be given by the officers of the New Zealand Squadron. Searchlight Display. From nine o'clock until half-past nine to-morrow night the Fleet will give a display with the searchlights, each of the enormous candlcpower of 192,000,000. People are looking forward to this event as it will be the most spectacular incident of the, Fleet's stay in port. Persons within., sight of the ships will, of course, have the best view as they will bo able to see the effects of the many beams on the water and on the ships and buildings, but for a good many miles out of Auckland the flashing pf the lights .in the skies, especially if there be some dark clouds about, will be highly effective. Departure Saturday. When the first of the light cruisers gets under way on Saturday afternoon, somewhere about half-past three, there will no doubt, be* just as big a crowd of people on the Auckland foreshore to see the lost of the Fleet as there was to see the first of it last Saturday. After the Repulse and her accompanying light cruisers drop down the harbour, the Delhi will follow and then the Hood, but they will not all go out' at the one time as some people hope they will. Some people imagine that they could go out like a flock of fishing boats. The channel is only a certain width, so certain order has to be maintained, and the fact that two of the ships have to unberth also makes a difference. Still, the departure should make a fine sight. No doubt there .will again be a larga muster of launches and yachts to line up I and wish the-ships good-bye.