FROM JAPAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 205, 31 August 1933, Page 13

FROM JAPAN.

1 I '- '* Picturesque ship from a picturesque i land, the Sliintoku Maru provides a ] bright centre of interest at the King's wharf. It lies beside the wharf, pure j white against the blue of the sea, while ] the white gulls circle overhead. Black 1 Japanese lettering is vivid against the i white background, while the curved prow i is relieved with gold. The tall masts i are heavy with rigging, and in its ] Oriental entirety the ship makes a vivid i picture. On board, in the officers' quar- < ters, are courtesy, cleanliness, and 1 modern comfort, while members of the < white-clad crew are busy everywhere. I Pale green steps and heavy silk curtains i of green add further to the artistic effect. | According to the chief officer's next ' in command, there are 130 men on board, ■ | comprising a crew of 47, 10 cadets, and 1 13 cooks. The kitchen where the 13 'cooks work is equipped with both ■ European and Japanese utensils and conveniences. Although the food most in demand is rice, European as well as ; Japanese menus are served. A great deal of butter is used in the cooking, and ' soups, vegetables, and meats are generally included in the menu. Nothing, , however, can dethrone rice as the popular national food. "Your spring is very beautiful," said an officer, "but not as beautiful as ours ' in Japan; we have more colour, but we also have more cold. Your winter and ■ your spring are warmer." Vivid word pictures, given in quaintly accented, remarkably well-phrased sentences, were ! drawn of springtime in Japan, with its ' glorious colour, its almond and its ' cherry blossom in pale and deeper ■ shades, its beautiful lilies, grasses, wayside and country flowers, its sheer blaze , of colour varying from pastel pinks and greens to flaming reds and tawny gold ' and orange.