MEMORABLE AFTERNOON.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 115, 16 May 1924, Page 7

MEMORABLE AFTERNOON.

"AT HOME" ON THE HOOD. THREE THOUSAND VISITORS. Approximately 3000 visitors inspected H.M.s. Hood yesterday afternoon, when the ship's company held their "At Home," all the guests being present by invitation. The occasion served to show in a marked manner the readiness with which Jack Tar can make friends when in a strange port, since every man had his guests to show over the immense j ship and to entertain at afternoon tea, I which was served in the messes. J The "At Home" commenced at 2 o'clock, petty officers and men going to ' the wharf gates to meet their friends. Members of the slighter sex were in the majority, of course, and all age 9 were represented, from "flappers" to elderly ladies, and all received the same courteous attention from their hosts. Jack is an adept at entertaining. The Hood ■was specially decorated for the occasion, a red and white ceremonial awning being stretched over the entire quarter-deck. Each mess attended to its own scheme of decoration, and very attractive they looked with their bright streamers of flag 3, paper bells, and balloons. Tables, replete with white cloths, were set out with a plentitude of dainties, cakes, pastries, and tinned fruits, and when tea ; was served at 4 p.m. there were some ' very merry scenes in the various messes. i Many a society hostess would consider I hereelf amply repaid if her guests I enjoyed themselves with the same zest !as did the guests of the ship's company yesterday afternoon. Dancing on the beautifully polished teak of the quarterdeck was in full swing from 2.30 to long after 5 p.m., the orchestra of the Royal Marines providing excellent jazz music, which was appreciated by all. The dance programme carried an artistic : pen and ink drawing of H.M.s. Hood, memories of a bygone day being recalled by a fleet of old "wooden walls" faintly •■ depicted in the funnel smoke. I The guests of the ship's company were allowed several privileges in viewing the ship, and these they appreciated. JfumI bers were permited inside the gun ' turrets. ; J A crippled lady in an invalid's chair ■ I found a good friend in a, young seaman, who wheeled her over most of the accessible portions of the upper deck. A special entertainment committee handled all the arrangements of the day, and Mr. E. W. Baker acted as master of ceremonies to the entire satisfaction m of all, and in this he was ably assisted Iby Mr. Dyer, one of the Hood's seamen.