NAVAL MEN ON IDEATE.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15723, 17 October 1916, Page 5

NAVAL MEN ON IDEATE.

PICNIC TO OXFORD,

Ideal weather was experienced yesterday for the picnic to Oxford., to which the Canterbury Branch of tho Navy League and tho Canterbury Automobile Association invited Canterbury men an leave from his Majesty's ships. About a quarter to nine the picnickers and the cars of members of the Association began to assemble in front of the Automobile Association's rooms in. Cathedral square. Mr P. it. Climie was marshal, and quickly got the sailors and their friends disposed of. in tho cars, in which were placed, large bags of fruit and nuts. The naval men attended in uniform, and about thirteen —twelve from the Pyramus and one from tho Philomel —were present. Their names are as follows:—Seamen F. G. P. Kermode, R. Hucks, A. Frame, W. E. McGorman, L. Chancy, K. M. Smith, H. May, C. W. Vogel, M. Anderson L. P. Lock, W. Wilder, R. M. Gibson, A. A. Moore, and Forman (Philomel). In addition seven returned wounded and invalided soldiers from the Christchurch Hospital left with the party, the first car leaving about 9.13 o'clock.

Representing tho .Navy League were several members, including Mr J. Dougall (vjce-president), Mrs T. G. It. Blunt, Mr H. J. Marriner. and the secrctarv (Mr C. J. Trcleaven). Tho Automobile Association was represented by a large number of members, who provided cars, including Mr .A. S. Clarbson (president) and the secretary (Mr C. W. Hervey). It was originally intended to tako the men to Ashley Gorge, but subsequently it was dccidcd to mako Oxford tho objective. Th© outward route was via Darfield and Waddington to Pearson Park, Oxford, which was reacbcd at about 11.30. . Hero a large marquee had been erected and an. excellent luncheon, arranged "by a sub-committce of tho Oxford Branch of tho Navy League, consisting of Messrs R. F. Henderson, L. Watson, G. Smith, G. J. Leech, A. Stubbs, 3>. Hawke, T. J. Frame, F. Hopkins, R. 3>allcy. T. Home, F. Wotherspoon. E. Seed, iuid W. Weld, was dispensed by tho Ladies' Committee of the Oxford ltcd Cross Branch.

A festive air pervaded the township, a number of shops being temporarily closed, while the school children were allowed some time off. In spite of the fact that it was ordinarily a work day, tho Oxford Brass Band, conducted by Mr It. Johnson, was prcsfent, and provided suitable music. At the conclusion of the lunch, Mr Henderson, on behalf of the residents of Oxford, and the local Navy League Branch, welcomed tho visitors.

Hearty cheers were given for the men of H.M.S. Pyramus and Philomel, and the returned soldier visitors. Tho sailors responded with cheers for the residents of Oxford.

Mr Hawke, on behalf of the Oxford Patriotic Committee, said that they were delighted' to welcome the men of that Navy which, had chased from off the seas that old fox the German Fleet.

Mr J. J. Dougall, vice-president of vhe Canterbury Branch of the Navy League, on behalf of his branch, thanked tho Oxford .people for the manner in which they had entertained the visitors, and expressed his appreciation, 'of tho way in which tho ladies of tho Red Cross Branch and tho local band had come along to do their share. Able-seaman Smith, on behalf of the men of H.M.S. Pyramus, expressed his thanks to the members of the Automobile Association and Navy League, also the Oxford residents, for the pleasant outing, and said that as for tho last two years his ship had been in strange parts, among strange people, it was all the more delightful to bo home again, and to spend such ap enjoyable time. He called for cheers, which wer 0 heartily given, for all thoso who had assisted in arranging the outing. Mr Clarkson, president of the Automobile Association, thought the Association was only doing its duty it helping to give an enjoyable outing to the men who for the past two years had worked so strenuously on their behalf. Mr J. J. Dougall appealed to the people of Oxford to support their branch of the Navy League, and Mr Trcleaven supplemented hi© remarks. Cheers wero again given all round, followed by the singing of "For hc'6 a Jolly Good Fellow." An appeal was made to the people of Oxford to support the Rangiora Queen Election patriotic appeal, and a number of books of tickets were sold on the spot at £1 each. Tho party, after spending a very enjoyable time, started just after 2.30 on its homeward trip, and halted at Rangiora. Here school children lined part of the road and gav e rousing checra as the sailors passed. Tea .was provided for the visitors in the pavilion of the Rangiora Bowling, Tennis, and Croquet Club, by the members of the local Patriotic Committee. The Mayor (Mr C. I. Jennings) and the Hon. D. Buddo extended to the visitors a hearty welcomc Afternoon tea was next partaken or, and cigarettes provided for the men. The party then proceeded to town, arriving somewhat dusty, it is true, but in the best of spirits, having tfconrugM* enjoyed the outing. The following members of the Antoinobilpi Association provided cars:Mrs Cordy. Messrs A. S. Clarkson, W. Broadwav, I'. W. Loohhead. W. J. McMillan. C. G. McKellar. G: Wells. L J . R. Climio. F. Hubbard, W. E.. Mills, C. J. Jones. J. J. Don gall. G. Louden, R. P. M. Manning, H. Taine, J. A. BoswelL and Captain McJican.