FOR TROPIC ISLES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 94, 21 April 1928, Page 12

FOR TROPIC ISLES.

POLICE FOR SAMOA SAIL.

COJCTUCGEIfT Olf THTANEKAL

FAREWELLED AT AUCKLAND.

Scenes reminiscent of the war days, but lacking a good deal of the pathos •nd patriotic fervour that was then conjured up by parents and sweethearts, were witnessed at Queen's whar- this morning when the recently recruited Sainoan military police embarked for Apia by the Tutanekai.

In view of the troubled conditions in Samoa, however, less interest than might have been anticipated was taken in the men's departure, and there was but a handful of people down to farewell them. Probably this was due to the fact that the contingent, which comprises three commissioned officers (Major P. A. Bell, Lieut. J. Moore, and Lieut J. Barr), five members of the New Zealand Permanent Defence Staff, a Y.M.C.A. official, a police sergeant, and 66 other ranks, was enlisted in various parts of the Dominion, and a big percentage of them had few friends in Auckland. Nevertheless, the small band of people who lined the wharf as the Government vessel dipped its bows out into the harbour at 10 o'clock lacked nothing in enthusiasm and sincerity in their good wishes. Handkerchiefs and bunches of streamers left behind were waved vigorously, and a few silent tears were shed. The brave little display was responded to by the picked band, which was taking its last glimpse of Auckland for at least 12 months, with lusty cheering and the stirring skirl of the pipes. And so under weeping skies the selected military police took their departure for a sunnier clime, there to act as an influence towards the maintenance of law and order, and to embark on what many of them regard in the nature of an appealing adventure.

The contingent, which will relieve the detachment of marines from H.M.S. Diomede and H.M.s. Dunedin who have been doing patrol duty in Samoa for several weeks past, were carefully chosen by the superintendents of police in the various metropolitan areas in New Zealand a fortnight ago. Raw recruits in the main, ten days of assiduous training at Trentham has tested their mettle and moulded them into an efficient body of fit men—men whose physique and bearing do just credit to New Zealand's manhood. Attired in uniforms suitable for the tropics, and wearing the regulation military overcoats, they presented a striking appearance, and must have met with the approval of the new Administrator in Samoa (Colonel S. S. Allen), who was down at Queen's wharf to see them off.

Special arrangements have been made en the Tutanekai for the adequate accommodation of the police. Bunl- have been fitted up, and though they gave the i ipression of being slightly cramped looked comfortable enough, while deck seats have been placed about the decks in order that the/ men may the better enjoy the sunshine which they are promised on the voyage. There will be plenty of life aboard the vessel during the seven and a-half days of leisure that the journey will occupy, for the men are liberally supplied with gramophones and musical instruments. The men will be ready and eager for their new work on arrival at Apia, where they will be quartered in barracks.

When the Tutanekai steamed out of port, half-an-hour behind schedule, she was well stocked with provisions and general supplies for the police. From early yesterday morning until late last evening the forty members of the crew, under Captain J. Bollons, worked untiringly loading the holds with coal and equipment for the voyage. Tents, pans, pots, blankets, clothing, etc., were stowed away until it was found that the Tutanekai could hold no more. There is still more cargo for the contingent, but this will have to follow later by the Tofua.

It was interesting to rote on inspecting the appearance of the police that quite a number of them had seen service in the Great War, and they wore strings of ribbons on their chests representing decorations. Contrasting with the bearing of these hardened campaigners, who betrayed no excitement at their departure, were the raw recruits, eager to be on their way. The interest with which the men have pursued their new routine in life was shown by many wearing corporal and lance-corporal badges, the first rungs up the military ladder which entitle them to extra pay.

Captain Bollons expects that the Tutanekai will make Apia next Saturday afternoon, providing the weather is favourable.