BLUEJACKETS ON TOUR

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14666, 15 May 1913, Page 7

BLUEJACKETS ON TOUR

THE VISIT TO ASHBURTON

A HEARTY WELCOME

(nr orn special KKroRTKH.)

Ashburton plnyed its part yesterday, when two hundred visiting sailormen. undor Lieutenant North and Warrantofficer Lewis, were given a hearty and well-planned reception by tho residents of tho town and district. The bluejackets left Christchurch shortly after eight o'clock in a special train, and tho trip down, occupying close on two hours, had special features of interest for nil of them. In tho past few weeks they have seen tho rolling downs of Levin, tho rich cattlo country of Wairarapa, and tho boiling springs and geysers of Rotorua. Yesterday they saw the great Canterbury Plain at its'best. Tho fields were smiling under autumn cultivation on both sides of tho line, and flocks of sheep were, pasturing hero and there. They saw how the provinco raises "prime Canterbury," and no doubt formed impressions that will stand out boldly in the recollections of their historic cruise. In true "Jack Tar" fashion they made the journey a merry one. They sang rollicking sea songs, told stories of many things, and in sailor Maori "maka te haka" with jolly freedom, and practised war-cries that should astonish their London friends when they get home.

SPEECHES OF WELCOME

Ashburton station was crowded when the train drew in, and the streets and adjacent .buildings were brave with bunting and flags. Three ringing cheers greeted the men as they stepped off the train and lined up in East street. Representatives of the Ashburton Borough Council, the Ashburton County Council, and Hanipstead and Tinwald Town Boards, conveyed official words of welcome.

In addressing Lieutenant North and tho bluejackets in front of tho station the Mayor of Ashburton, Mr Henry Davis, said that ho wished, as Mayor of tho town, to give tho men of H.M.S. New Zealand a sincere and hearty welc6me. Tho people of Ashburton were gratified that such fine weather marked their visit, for it would allow of their reception being the success it was meant to be. Arrangements had been made to provide sports 'for the men's entertainment, find the townspeople were going to try to make tho visit one that would be long remembered. Every man, woman, and child wafc glad to soe the bluejackets that guarded their homes and protected their shores. (Applause.) They belonged to a service that cherished the name of Nelson, and ho trusted that if ever the timo camo they would put their eyes to the guns and keep tin the name of Britishers. (Applause.) Once again ho had pleasure in heartily welcoming them to Ashburton. •

Mr C. J. Harper, chairman of the Ashburton County Council, said that on behalf of tho county, which was one of tho largest in New Zealand, ho heartily welcomed the visitors. Ho was glad to see such a fine lot of chaps. He knew they would #do their duty when the cali came, just as our lads did when the call came from South Africa. Ho was glad to welcome them. (Applause.)

LIEUTENANT NORTH'S REPLY,

Lieutenant North said, on behalf of the men of the New Zealand who had been able to come to Ashburton, he thanked the Mayor and Mr Harper for their kind words of welcome. They were pleased to have been able to come. It was not often they got a chance to go inland, and they owed many thanks to tho pcoplo who had given them such a chance of seeing the inner portions of the Dominion. They had already Been a good deal of the fine harbour of Lytteltori. On behalf of. the men that were still at the port he wished to say how sorry they were that they' could not join in the festivities at Ashburton. (Applause.) On the Mnyor's call, tho spectators gave hearty cheers for tho visitors. Lieutenant North then called, "Men of the New Zealand, throe hearty cheers for the people of Ashburton!" The sailors responded with three longdrawn British "Hip, hip, hoorays.

THE LUNCHEON

Ashburton's arrangements for entertaining the men were drawn up on a liberal scale, and the luncheon provided at noon in the Theatre Royal reflected credit on the members of the W.C.T.U.. who had charge of this important feature of the reception. The building was crowded, and after tho good things had been disposed of there were some toasts and speeches. The Mayor presided.

After the toast of "The King" bad been honoured, Mr C. J. Harner. in place of Mr John Gngg (president of the Ashburlon branch of the Navy League), who was absent in Christchurch, proposed the toast of "The Navy." Hβ said that they realised that without the protection of the Navy they in New Zealand would be nowliere. If the bluejackets present had to fight he hoped tney would remember they were fichttor Old EnefcdTut also for a httle country called New Zealand. W i :sorth >."' h( > w as received with loud cheers, said that the Navy was re 9 pons,ble for the discovery ofmanv 2ll«n h m *l yln -§ coonie *. and it had faUen lo the Navy's lot to protect those colonies. They were all proud nL Je * N ?, vy ' , and thov were proud of its fine traditions- Hβ saia that mno Wasting spirit. They of the New Zealand had had a proud day when they started off on this trip. Ine ship was a magnificent gift from tho people of New Zealand, and he hoped they would all be able to visit it. Ho wished to thank the Ashburton people heartily for their kind reception. (Applause.) Mr Hugo Friedlander proposed the toast of ''The Parliament of Now Zealand." He. said they were indebted to every member of Parliament who voted for the presentation of tho battleship to the Old Country. (Applause.)

MR NOSWORTHY'S SPEECH

' Mr W. Xosworthy. M.P. for Ashbur- • • —'-■' to the toast in a stir-

ring speech. They had in New Zealand waters to-day a unit of tho British, Xavy—a Navy winch had dono glorious deeds under " Nelson and other great men of tho past —and ho was sure that those who wcro present would do their part to uphold the honour and integrity of tho nation as well those- who had. gone before. (Applause.) When the question of giving a .Dreadnought to tho Empire came before Parliament there was no dissentient voice. It was a great gift, but if necessary tho Parliament of New Zealand was willing to vote tho money for one, two, or three more Drendnoughts. (Applause.) If tho Imperial Government required Assistance in the future, the Parliament of New Zealnnd would be as loyal as ever in its efforts to keep tho flag flying. Thero had never been any disagreement about the gift of tho battleship, though there had been some, objection to th»> Government, acting without first consulting Parliament, but when Parliament was consulted it approved unanimously. He hoped that it would not bo the last time that a ship built by New Zealand, and port of tho British Fleet, would be in New Zealand waters. (Applause.)

THE SPORTS.

After the luncheon tho bluejackets marched to tho grounds in a procession, with tho Ashburton Municipal Baud, the Temperance Hand, and tho Ash-bin-ton Mounted Rifles. There was a groat crowd on tho Domain to n-itness tho .sports, for which a liberal programme had been arranged. Tho prizes included, besides money, several Ashburton-made rues and blankets, a silver cup, and four lambs. Tho lambs, it was announced, would bo sent Home to tho relatives of those that won them. Tho results of sports aro as follow : —

Milo Bicycle Race —First heat: LanceCorporul '.Mime 1. Artificer Stock 2. A close finish. Second heat: Seaman Ginning 1, Ablo-soamau Smith 2: 3rd heat: A.B. Barry 1, A.B. Mudd 2: 4th heat: Bombardier Phillips 1, Seaman Elder 2; final: A.B. Harry 1, A.B. Mudd 2, Seaman Canning 8. Barry won easily, and was presented with a silver cup100yds Flat—A.B. Thornton 1, L.S. Stanford 15, A.B. Barry 3. Tng-of-wnr—Sergt. Kcano'e team boat Chief Petty Officer Bastablo's team. After, an. exciting contest a Territorial team defeated Sergt. Keano's eleven.

Relay Race—Harris. Merrit, Stanford and Hallorby 1 ; King's team 2; Barry's team 3.

120 yds Hurdles—Thornton 1, Stanford 2, King 3. Wheelbarrow Race—Stanford and King 1, Harry and Grose 2. A great ileal of fun was caused by tho wrestling on horseback contest between the sailors and Territorials. Tho sailors, though they wero not proficient in tho pastime, proved "hard nuts to crack." It took something to dislodge them even whoro two. Territorials took a> hand. Amusement was also caused by n. very fascinating young lady, with a brilliant complexion who took part in tho bicycle race, and tho relay race. "Sho" was capitally "made up," and dressed in black, and attracted much comment.

WHILE THE CLOCK STRIKES

An amusing incident occurred at Ashburton when the contingent of bluejackets reached the stationMr C J. Harper, chairman of tho County Council, had just commenced his speech, when tho chimes of tho town clock broke out, compelling him to halt. The Mayor (Mr I>avis) waited until tho chime's and then proceeded to relate a similar incident which occurred some years ago upon an equally important occasion, but ho did not reckon with the clock, which struck/ tho hour of ten. and he, too, had to desist until it had finished. . Then, after a good deal of laughter, in which the bluejackets joined, Mr 3>avis finished his story. A good number of years ago, ho said, when the greatest Premier New Zealand had ever seen, Ilichard John Seddon, was speaking from the same place, tho clock Interrupted him in a similar fashion. Mr Seddon waited until the clock finished, and then he remarked: "There aro two things 1 never speak to, express trains and striking clocks." .

JACK AT PLAY

Tho bluejackets had a couple of hours off before lunch, a period in which they wore free from tho care of their hosts and left, ns it were, to their own resources. ' They soon made themselves at home. The streets in a few minutes were rich with sighte of Jack at play, surrounded by crowds of schoolboys and other interested observers. In a paddock some of the men were keenly engaged in a game of "soccer"," and a little further away an anxious sailor- - man was attempting to shoo a fractious horse. Another was making valiant efforts to stick to the saddle of a fino looking colt lent by an obliging Territorial., He was tho etar at- - traction for tho other bluejackets, who cheered him again and again. Then there • were some on bicycles and many were shown round in motor cars. An express cart that drove up to a largo store in a business-like fashion, was driven by a smiling sailor, and down tho street several of hie matra were assisting with a motor lorry. Tho anen enjoyed the relaxation hugely*, and, of course, the Ashburton pcoplo saw to it that they did. , t ■ ~

BACK AGAIN

Tho procession marshalled by Major \V. E. Dolman, V.D., mado its way back to tho Theatre after the sports, and tho men sat down to an excellent tea before catching the home train. Tho gathering was a very Happy one, and, as were tho other functions, splendidly organised. Prizes won at tho sports were presented by the Mayor amid great enthusiasm. There waa something stirring in the scene of four bluejackets who had secured lambs aa trophies, writing down the names of relatives at Homo to whom they wished them consigned. Tho tea ended with a storm of cheers. "Lift tho roof off," said Lieut- North' in calling upon his men to cheer, and they took him At his word.

Tho trip back to Christchurch commenced at 5 p.m., in a special train, and ended at 7.15 o'clock. It waa a fnirly quiet journey, as the majority of the men were quite tired out with their exertions, and preferred sleep to talk.