AT HOME.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 121, 24 May 1935, Page 11

AT HOME.

JAPANESE AS HOSTS. QUAINT DECORATIONS. The charm of the foreign was clearly shown on the Japanese warship, Asama, yesterday afternoon, when a large number of guests attended the At Home given by Hoar-Admiral Karesaburo Nakamura and officers of the visiting Japanese squadron. From the moment they stepped foot on the gangway till they were eecorted off the ship again, the guests were given an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable time. As hosts the officers were very attentive and exceedingly kind. Nothing was too much trouble for them; no question too small for a careful answer. Everything possible was done to make the guests feel at home on the ship. On arrival at the wharf each guest was 'presented with a tiny rosette winch was, pinned into the coat, and once on the ship, they were received by RearAdmiral Nakamura, Flag-Captain D. Ohkawaehi (Asama), Captain R. Sugiyama (Yakumo), Flag-Commander H, Nishio and Lieutenant-Commander Shigehoro, A.D.C. Following on this, each group of guests was immediately joined by an officer who conducted them on a tour of the ship. The Asama had been specially decorated for the occasion, gaily coloured flags and many Japanese hand-painted lanterns being used with effect. There was much to be seen on board. Most intriguing were the beautifully constructed models, which were placed at intervals on the decks. There was a clever Japanese landscape, a replica of the Bay of Futami, one of Japan's beauty spots, beautifully put together with sand, glass (representing water), nnd a vivid red sun on the background. A model of a Japanese room and all its attractive furnishings was also very much admired. Tt was indeed obvious thnt a great deal of time and thouaht had heen put into making the ship entertaining in every way. For a greater part of the afternoon the guests were entertained with displays of Judo (jiu-jitsu). Sumo (Japanese wrestling) and K«Tido (Japanese fencinir), which wore held in a shed oil t' , " wharf. Befo'-e ench display an officer explained the meaning of tho games and their hietorv. The s'kil! rmcpssivv for the nTurate handling of tho sticks and swords was superb. Tea and saki (Japanese wine) were served on the ship where the guests collected again after the display. Here again the officers were perfect hosts. On the tables were Japanese delicacies, the taste of which was unusual and most stimulating. They included lobster, smoked and dried, and another small Japanese fish reminiscent of the English herring. Sweetmeats, with a biscuit basis, were also served. The chopsticks and little special forks, which were also on the tablce. were presented to the guests as souvenirs. After the playing of the Japanese National Anthem by the ship's hand, and the British National Anthem, the guests departed. Among those who were present were the Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis, and Mr*. Davis, Commodore the Hon. E. JX. DnitniTioiul. and several officers from tlio warships in port, and representatives of Government, services and local bodies, mombori of the consular corps, representatives of shipping firms, business firms, banking houses and many organisations.