SCHOOLBOYS' DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 202, 28 August 1933, Page 8

SCHOOLBOYS' DAY.

SHINTOKU MARU. HUNDREDS INSPECT SHIP. FENCING AND JITT-JITSTJ. Hundreds of Auckland schoolboys invaded the Japanese mercantile training ship Shintoku Maru when the vessel was specially thrown open for their inspection this morning. The ship was open to the general public this afternoon and the interest her visit lias created was reflected in the large crowds that went aboard. The schoolboys this morning took complete charge of the ship. No apparent restraint was placed on their activities and they combed the barquentine from stem to stern. They climbed into the lifeboats, spun the big stern steering wheel that is used for hand steering when the vessel is under sail, gave each other rides on the windlasses, and poked their noses into every door that was not locked. Their hosts did everything possible to make the boys at home—not that they needed anything in that direction—and even when they pried into rooms where they were obviously not wanted they were sent back with smiles -rather than frowns. "Fine boys," said one officer, when he had been interrupted in a work of compiling figures by a cou>?e of bare-headed youngsters. Match Box Collectors. Ardent match box top collectors were there in dozens, and the Japanese must have become utterly tired of telling certain of their visitors that they were unable to oblige. The match box collectors appeared very much more interested in improving their collections than in improving their knowledge of the splendid way in which young Japanese are taught the way of the sea, and they did not hesitate to bail up anyone who looked as if he might carry matches, be he officer of high rank or hard working galley boy. In their efforts to secure new tops the youngsters attempted barter with such things as coins and stamps, but most of them went ashore without improving their collections. Apparently only one brand of matches is in general use on the Shintoku Maru, and many of the cadets carry the cardboard folder variety, which are not regarded as prizes by young AucJ:landers. Fencing and Wrestling. In addition to the hundreds of schoolboys who swarmed over the ship this morning a large adult crowd viewed the vessel from the wharf and marvelled at the liberties that were afforded the youngsters. Exhibitions of kendo (Japanese fencing) and judo (jiu-jitsu) were given on the King's wharf, where the training ship is berthed, and the spectators applauded heartily. In kendo the contestants, heavily padded and wearing metal masks, and black hoods and gowns, revived memories of the most virulent days of the Ku Klux Klan. At times they emitted strange noises that' resembled the bark of a dog, but it was not difficult to judge from their utterances and actions when paints had been scored. Captain Hayashi to-day paid courtesy calls on the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, and the chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, Mr. T. B. Clay, and, with several of his officers, was the guest of the Auckland 'Rotary Club at luncheon. On Thursday/- morning the training ship will be open to inspection by schoolgirls, and in the afternoon to the general public. The vessel will sail for her home port of Kobe on Saturday, probably in the afternoon.