JAPANESE RECEPTION.

Auckland Star, 2 September 1933, Page 15

JAPANESE RECEPTION.

A large number of guests were entertained yesterday afternoon at a reception on board the Japanese Government i training ship the Shintoku Maru. The visitors were received by tne Japanese Consul, Mr. A. B. Roberton and Captain N". Hayashi. The ship was gaily decorated for the occasion with dozens of flags placed in every available corner. With the many vividly-coloured flags, the gleaming brasswork and the gay spring flowere, the white ship looked most attractive. A special feature of the decorations was the picturesque little scene arranged on the lower deck, where Fujiyama, Japan's famous enow-topped mountain, towered serenely in the background. In another part of the ship, cleverly-worked out with beans and rice, was a complete replica of the ship's track chart, showing the route from Kobe, Japan, to Auckland, to San Diego, and back to Kobe. The coast lines of the Japanese Islands, Australia, New Zeatand aiid North and South America were excellently done. On arrival the guests were conducted in parties on a tour of the ehip, after which a most enjoyable and novel entertainment was presented. The jiu-jitsu and ken-jitsu matches and exhibitions were a feature of the afternoon. The men, wearing the Japanese dress, the somurai, crying aloud in their own language, and entering into the spirit of the matches very realistically, provided a glimpse into the customs and mannerisms of the Eaet. Mouth organ solos were followed by the naval ceremonial. Tea was served on the upper deck, where the long tables were decorated with daffodils, Iceland poppies and cyclamen, all arranged against a vivid background of flags. Everything possible had been arranged for the comfort and entertainment of the guests, while the officers and cadets explained the progress of tlio matches and told many stories of Japanese life and custom. Tho guests were presented with programmes, on which the items were written in Japanese and English. Officers of the New Zealand and Australian fleets mingling with those of the Japanese ship provided an unusual spectacle. Among those present were: Lady Smith, Mesdames A. B. Roberton, G. W. Hutchison (Mayoress), Lyon Berthon, G. Coats, Ruben O'Brien, Alan Menzies, Swanston, J. W. Craven, J. Roberton, Preston Chambers, J. P. O'Connor, H. H. F. Bauer, Swayne, Brigham, Booth, J. W. Bailey, Baxter, H. K. Archdall, R. Watson, Laird, Andrews, Ogilvic, Hickson, Mackintoeh, Jones, Skegfj, Fahey, A. J. Hutehinson, J. Maxwell, E. V. Sutherland, Burton, Gray, Derrich, Davis, Misses Alice Basten, Sayegh, Tanner, Kingsland, Stratford, Barnett, Brigham, Hutchinson, Dr. Robinson.