KOBE BOUND.

Auckland Star, 2 September 1933, Page 10

KOBE BOUND.

SHINTOKU MARU. JAPANESE TRAINING SHIP. CAPTAIN'S FAREWELL . :■■•; message. . "As things stand to-day:.the heed for sympathetic understanding among the nations of the world is more keenly felt than at any time in the past," said Captain N. Hayashi, master of the Japanese ■ mercantile training ehip Sliintokn Ma.ru, in the course of a farewell message given before the vessel sailed for her.home port of Kobe this afternoon. Punctually at 2 p.m. the telegraph of the Shintoku Maru rang "Stand By" to the engine room. Ju the ward room Captain N. Hayashi was thanking Auckland and the "Government for the fine reception given him and his officers and •men. Mr. D. Ardell replied on behalf of the Government. He said that the memory of Japan's assistance ..to New Zealand during the war would always make the Japauepc welcome in this country. Mr. Ardell also referred to tho high state of efficiency reached by the Japanese Mercantile Marine. Mr. A. B. Roberton, Consul for Japan, also spoke. As the stately barquentinc drew out from the King's wharf the cadets burst into song, frantically waving to friends made during their brief stay in Auckland. Many of them had picked up the Maori "Kia Ora" and they shouted this ns they left, much to the amusement of the large crowd on the wharf. ."Wonderful Courtesies." Captain Hayashi's full farewell message to the public of Auckland was as follows: —"On behalf of the officers, cadets and crew of the Imperial Japanese Government training ship, I wish to convey to officials and public the sincere thanks for the warm hospitality and wonderful courtesies so generously extended to us during our brief stay at the beautiful queen city of New Zealand. The officials and public afforded us every conceivable facility. We are indeed most grateful of the cordiality of thie splendid reception, which should be taken as a >roof of the friendly feelings on your part towards us. We only regret that we are unable to express fully how we were happy with you. i "As things stand to-day, the need for sympathetic understanding among ' nations of the world is more keenly felt than at any time in the past. We should be, therefore, very glad if our visit could serve to strengthen the tie of old friendship between your country and ours. "I thank you again for what you have done for us. We deeply appreciate it. > And I nm certain that every one of us ] shall ever treasure the most pleasant memory of the wonderful courtesies we have received here. In conclusion, we send to all of you our very best wishes."

Entertainment on Ship. Some 000 guests were entertained on board the training ship yesterday afternoon, when a reception was given by the captain and officers and cadets. • The vessel was decorated with Japanese streamers and paper pennants, and a New Zealand ensign and a Japanese flag formed an archway of welcome over the gangway. Visitors were escorted over all parts of the vessel and were much interested in exhibitions of jiu-jitsti and Japanese fencing. The various holds and throws in the wrestling exhibitions were explained by an announcer before they were demonstrated. Afternoon tea was served under awnings on deck and the visitors were keen to sample the taety Japanese rice cakes. Music was provided by an orchestra of a dozen harmonica players, who concluded a mixed programme of Japanese and English airs with the National Anthem.

Addresses on Now Zealand, were given on board the training ship Inst evening by Mr. 11. G. Cousins and Mr. Eiji Kurosawa, a Japanese student at the Auckland University College.