VISIT OF H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16621, 6 September 1919, Page 9

VISIT OF H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND.

» . - TESTERDAY'S FUNCTIONS. Splendid weather conditions were experienced yesterday for tho motor rim to Little River and for tlie sports held at that township. Tho outing was thoroughly enjoyed by tho men. In tho evening, at the Colosseum, petty officers nnd men attended the tea dispensed by the Lady Liverpool Society, and the entertainment by tho same society, -assisted by Mrs H. R. Smith's Pierrot Company. Admiral Viscount Jellicoe had no public ■engagements during the day, but with Viscountess Jellicoe attended the Assembly Ball in tho evening. SAILORS ON HOLIDAY. TRIP TO LITTLE RIVER. A HAPPY DAY. It was a happy thought that prompted tho people of Little River to invito tho potty officers and men of H.M.S. New Zealand to ah outing in their district yesterday, a picnic which was mado possible by the kindly action of members of the Canterbury Automobile Association in transporting the men. It proved to bo a most pleasant day's outing. As many of them said: "One seaport is very much like another. But give us a bit of tho country." As a result of yesterday's jaunt to Little River there are several potential settlers for this Dominion. Two hundred and ten members of the crew were enabled to make the trip, and upon their arrival from Lyttolton at tha Christchuruh Railway Station, at 1u.45 a.m., they were met by seventy cars, driven by members of the Canterbury Automobile Association. Tho weather was in benignant mood, tho journey was 1 a fast one, a ud the countryside proved a source of tho keenest enjoyment to tho Bailors. ( Arrived at Awa-iti Domain, Little River, tho men sat down to a sumptu- ■ ous luncheon, prepared by the local bodies, who, _ attired in sailor costume ■ out of compliment to their guests, saw ] tliat tho visitors wero well regaled, i There was turkey and fowl, ham, and ox tongue, lamb, mutton, and beef, all j kinds of sweets, good Peninsula cheese ] and a luxury not often enjoyed on board i a warship, tho richest of cream. , Speeches of welcome wero made by 1 J. B. Chapman, chairman of t the AVairewa County Council, J. 0. i Coop, chnirmnn of the local Patriotic ] Committee, and T. Thompson. 1 Sir J. Wilkinson, commissioned boat- 1 swain, who was in charge of tho sailors, ] in responding made an interesting i speech. "Wo aro very proud to say 1 wo are serving in your ship," ho said, i "and we are prouder to seo your beau- ] tiful country. lam sure everyone in' the Now Zealand would have been dolighted to have had tho opportunity of that motor trip this morning. I was - out here twenty-two years ago and did 1

a commission. On the wny out here this time ovcryono on board the ship used t to come to mo nncl say: 'Mr Wilkinson, , what is Now Zealand like ?' I used to . roply: 'What is New Zealnnd likep . Wait till you see. You will be satisi fied.' Well, you men have seen, and you have heard, and I am sure you are satisfied with what you fanve seen. (Loud applause from the sailors.) I know why you o;ood people give us this good time. You want to show your appreciation of those who have done a little bit to help the Empire. # I don't know, but I have reason to believe you sent more men to the front than any other part of the Empire. This is a beautiful' country. I agree with the late Mr Seddon, who, as he was returning to it on his last journey home, described is as God's own country. lam only sorry that that gentleman was not spared to see what it is like to-day. Xny man who is worthy of the name of Britisher, and you are 'Britishers because you call the Old Country Home, believes that if a country is worth living in it is worth defending—(Aplause) —and it is up to every New Zealandor to liolp defend the country to which he belongs. You effect insurances against deatli, against fire, and against other losses, but thero is one insurance the most effectual though the least thought of, and that is in having a good navy, and so protecting the shores of these beautiful islands. A navy has always been vital to the defenoe of a nation wishing to hold its own in the wolld. We have been struck by the large number of children going about, and. I don't think there could be a better method of; educating these children than pointing" out to them the value of sea-p'owet. Many people scarcely knew the • lat# war was oil. They suffered no lack of food, drink, etc., but you know the day when war will come a little nearer your shores than you expect. There is a saying: 'In time or peace prepare for \rar, and you will be on the safe side.' It is the insurance against any foe attacking you. You cannot realise, you good people of New Zealand, what the Navy has done in the North Sea. I hope you will never have to experience what most of us have- The men Bitting round these tables to-day nave served in every manner of _ vessel, in battleships, cruisers, submarines, trawlers; and mine-layers. We are the representatives of the great Navy which saved the world from the greatest ioe the world has produced. We are glad We have done that little bit, and done it to the best of our ability. Thank you for your great hospitality. I feel sure when we leave New Zealand we shall never forget it." (Cheers). Mr Chapman, on - behalf of the residents, thanked the members of the Canterbury Automobile for their kindness in bringing tho men out, Mr J. S. Hawkes t president of tho Association, responding. Luncheon over, a happy day was spent. There were sports, official and unofficial. Some of the mon secured horses, nnd displayed their equestrian abilities in a more or loss convincing manner for the entertainmont of their friends, others engaged in foot races and other athletic events. Tug-of-war contests were held, groat excitement prevailing when a team _of Maoris measured their weight against that of the sailors, but tho highest excitement was undoubtedly reached when a team of ladies. Maori and pakeha, pulled in a tug-of-war against tho sailors and finally tho rope broke. Afternoon tea was partaken of, followed by a characteristic speech by the Mavor of Christchurch (Dt. Thacker, M.P.), who was accompaniod bv the Mayoress. He followed tho speech with an ode in Maori. Then s because the Natives were somewhat diffident ill coming forward, tho liaka crow from the battleship performed their excellent "stunt," which elicited warm approval from the Maoris present. A football match betweon a Little River team'and the sailors, which was won by the former by 12 points to nil, concluded the programme, and shortly after 4 p.m. the big array of motor cars was marshalled for the run home, whilst at the call of Mr Wilkinson, three choers wer® given by tlio sailors as a tribute to the good time given tliem by their hosts. A fast run home buw tho party arrive

at tho Colosseum for tea at abtrat 6.30 P Foilowfng are tho results of the athletic events held: — 100 Yards Championship i Bowon 1 ( Kent Sack lUce: Welbourne and Putnam (<^> *' Spar' Fighting: Webster 1, Bead 2, Wraggo 3 'Tug-of-War: H.M.S. fa (Edwards, McNeeco, Putnam. Wolbournc, Stnith Dniwbraith«, Heard, Pigott, .<» Ssyc™ beat H.M.S. New Zealand No. 2 In further, tug-of-war contests * Bivsr white team beat a Maori team, both teams beat the WBrshmtwims. Wheelbarrow Raoa: A. an* Patterson J, W. G. Porno and J. Nwlwm,IN THE COLOSSEUM. LAST NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENT. In thoColosseum high toa wero provided by tho Lady Liverpool Fund, many members of the organisation serving at tho tables. Occasion was taken bv Mr H. Roland to eta to that it had boon docidpcl to cut tho concerts that evening and on Saturday down to a minimum, and devote tho greater part of the evening to dancing, apd that next week dancing would oocupy tho whole time from < P *Mrs H. P.. Smith's Pom Pom Pierrots supplied tho musical entertainment, assisted by Bandsman Gilbert Onsworth, of H.M.S. New Zealand, who gave two excellent monologues, "Lancashire Lnssies' Trip to the Whito City" and "I Wish I Were a DoC Like "you." Tho members of the Pierrot party wore Misses Grace Jones, L. Hannny, and Quick, and Messrs E. Parlett, T. Simeon, O. Bridges, Lance •Jewell, and R. i?irk. At tho. conclusion of the oonoert programme, dancing was commenoed an® oontinued for some hours, there being a largo attendance. COMPLIMENTARY TROTTING MEETING. AT ALDINGTON TOJ>AY. The special Trotting Meeting to be held at Addington to-day in honour of Lord Jelliooe and the officers and men of H.M.S. Now Zealand, promises to be one of the most successful held on tho Metropolitan Trotting Club's course. The horses that will be seen under silk include some of the best in commission, and every race is sure to be keenly contested. The Committee of Management, representative of the three local trotting clubs, have made special arrangements to cater for tho large attendance which ■is expected, and tho liberal display of banting nas added considerably to the attractiveness of tho ground. The principal race, .tlio Now Zealand Handicap, has drawn nino high-class handicap performers, including Cathedral Chimes, Admiral Wood, John Dillon, Moneymaker, and Emilius, while in the Queen Mary Handican aro such fine nnhoppled trotters as Whispering Willie. Beta Peter, Nelson Bingen, lied Heather, and Imperial Crown. Although the weather was anything but favourable in the early part of the week, it is now more settled, and thftro is every prospect of the Meeting being held under favourable conditions. Tho track may not be at its fastest, but, provided no more rain falls, the going will be good. Admiral Jellicoe ana ■pnrty will arrive at 12.16 p.m., and will be escorted from tho entrance by th« Highland Pipe Band. The first race will start at 12.30 p.m., and, during th*

, dny, special trams will rnn to and from i course at short intervals. The fol- | lowing is the programme:— 0 SYDNEY £LANDIOAP (in barn cm), of 3(X> p aovs. Class 3.50. One mil* and fiv» „ furlongs. • Star Queen ser Pleasant Mount Sm Dillon Di*ect 2s Ouimet 6» a Silver Nut 2s Ramitiairi . e» .. Pax , l:- a* Gold Ormt 6$ Xavier 2a The Whip, fa 9 Bundura - i.. 2s Loohnagar, ee . Harold Devon :. 2s Leg-acy ... Ss Mflko Msko .. 2s Energy i.; fa . ! MINESWEEPERS' HANDICAP (la L*r- ' nese), of 300 sovs. Class 4.W. Two [ miles. Lord Minto «cr Nancy Stair 8m 1 Asturio 1* Borke's Drift .... 4* Colo Nut . 8b Lieutenant 4 C . Capriccio ... 8a Captain Stanley 4a , Sympathy ... 3s Pitaroa .. 4s NEW ZEALAND HANDICAP (fa harness), of 600 bots (and trophy. presented by tie Mayor and Mayoress of C&xiatahurch). Claes 4.85. Two tniles. Cathedral Chimes (7. Bryoe) .. :: ecr Admiral Wood (J. Bryoe, fan.) .. Os John Dillon (B. Jarden) .. 7a Moneymaker (A. Pringle) .. .. 9» Cello Sydney Wilkes (W. Warren) .. »» Simpod (F. Holmes, jun.) .. .. Os Emiling (R. McDon/nell) .. . . o 3 Minteon (A. G. Wilson) .. 104 Vdoe-Admiral (M. Edwards) .. 10, VICTORY HANDICAP (in harass), of ' <200 Bon. For unhoppled horses, Class 3.64. One mile and a quarter. Sherwood «cr Gold Creet .. 8a Pax <v< <• Our Girl .. fuf Pitaroa .. 6a The Whip 8s Pleasant Mcrant.. 8s Energy .. 8, Prince Coropado 8s QUEEN MABY HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sots. For nnhoppled trotters. nin«« 4.47. Two miles. Whispering Willie ecr Whist .. sa Reta Peter .. Is Eleotroonte .. 8s Nelson Bingen .. 4* Gay WAlmb .. 8t Red Heather .. 4a tfon Patch ft Olive L. .. 7* Lady Patricia ..Ha • Imperial Crown 8s Louie Drift .. lis QUEEN ELIZABETH HANDICAP (in harness), of 860 aova. Class 2.47. One mile and a quarter. •Author Dillon .'. set Chid Admiral Wood .. 2s Sungod .. < g Cora Dillon .. Ss Vioo-Admiral .i Ca EmUius .. 4b Moneymaker ..6s Trix Pointer .• it IRON DUKE HANDICAP (in saddle), of 200 ■ova. Class 2.10. One stifle. •Lord Minto (A. ButterfWd) .. scr Huon Patch (B. Jarden) .. le , Mhitson (H. Frost) .. .. ~. 2s Cello Sydney Wilkes (J. McLennan) .. 3s Tamarisk (F. Holmes, jnn.) ..1 .. 4s Rorke'e Drift (E. Redmpod) ..; 4e Bundong ( —) .. 4e Irvar (w. WVaron) .. Cs Hectorato (J. Bryee, jutv.) 0s Frank Traoey (J. CockeTiU) 6s *Capriccio (J. McDermott) >.« 1. jßa Silver Quick (E. McDermott) 6a Brown'a Nugget (W. Smith) 6a Sir Fulham JF. H. Gray) ..., 6s Captain Stanley (R. Logan) ... 6s 'Doubtful starter. TO-DAY'S ARRANGEMENTS. A party of officers and men from tbo ship will attend the function in connexion with the laying of the foundation stone of the Returned Soldiers' Club. The officers and men, on arrival in Christchurch from Port, will be .joined b.v a procession of returned soldiers, and will march through the city to Gloucester street west to the sittj. of the new Returned Soldiers' Club. At 10.30 a.m. Admiral Viscount Jellicco will lay the foundation stone cf the club and afterwards will inspect the Boy Scouts in Cranmer square. I At 12.30, on the Metropolitan TrotI ting Club's course, nt Addington, wilt commence the complimentary trotting meeting in honour of the visit of the Admiral and of the warship. The meeting will be attended by the Admiral and officers and men of the warship. In the evening the Admiral will attend the Bayage Club's Korero. Tea will be dispensed by the Women's National Reserve and the Returned Soldiers' Association in the Colosseum to petty officers and men, and there will be an entertainment afterwards. PARITY VISITS AKAROA. In response to the invitation of the Mayor, a party of ten from H.M.S. New Zealand motored to Akaroa on Thursday morning. Hey were met on arnval by the Mayor and prominent citizens and entertained at luncheon. Afterwards a team fired a rifle match with a team captained by Rev. J. "W. Hayward. Afternoon tea followed at

the tea rooma, whence the guests were' taken to the Recreation _ Ground to watch tho Returned Boldiers' football, match. Dinner was Berved at ' the Metropolis, the Mayor presiding over a function attended by representative citizens. "The King" and "The Navy wen honoured, the Major's; speech m proposing the latter being warmly sup-' ported by Revs. A. H. Julius and J. W. Hayward, and Messrs J. D. Bruce and 0. Hall., Chief-gunner. Whiting, in '•psponding, thanked the citizens o> Akai-oa for the exceedingly cordial reception accorded himself aud his comrades. Later in the evening the visitors were guests at a social gathering in the boat sheds, where waa assembled ii vefy largo number of people from toe district to do honour to the representatives of the navy. .The » great success.. Dancing was earned on till well after midnight. In the morning 'the .party were taken for a launch trip round the harbour, and after an Sy lunch the? left'for the city, one and all expressing themselves as delighted mfh tib. ,; NOTES. ; JUIMS* JfaSSgES: mitio?, 'Spiled bj°ar H H«tor Bolitho, a youngAucklander,hasJjeen published by Whitcombe and Tombs, Ltd Tho souvenir, takes the form or < n. lavishly printed and profusely lllus- I trated booklet, the opening ; pages of which are devoted to words of welcome to the Admiral and the battle-cruiser. : ?hen follows an exceedingly interesting, though concise* biography of Lord - Jellicoe, which, in turn, is followed by u first-class history of HJM.S. Now Zealand herself, detailing her pre-war activities t her part in the Great Wax, and tho actions in which she took part, ana a general survey of her officers ' ana crew. Brief biographical skotches of tho Admiral's staff are given,; and the booklet also contains some interesting references to the cruiser's previous visit to New Zealand." The illustrations, which are numerous, and particularly well reproduced, are a feature of a veiy interesting sonvenir, which should l>e well worth keeping for all time. Lovers of our visiting Jack Tars will havo the opportunity or seeing them in a now roll "on Tuesday night, when tho H.M.S. New Zealand Concert Party, will,give one of their original entertainments at the Choral.Hall, in aid of the funds of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society. Among the attractions promised are a Haka party, string band, conjuring feats, sailor's hornpipe, musical nlonologues. and other items dear to the heart of the sailor. Doors will open at 7.30 p.m., and those desiring to book seats can do so at The Bristol. . On tho foundation-stone of the new Returned Soldiers' Club this morning

the Mayor will place a cheque for £400, being part of the proceeds of the en- , tertainments given in Christchurch by the Diggers' Pierrots. He will also place a cheque for £100 representing tho gift of the Mayor and Mayoress of Christchurch. - In connexion with the function at the Anglican Cathedra] morning, officers and men of the warship will come to town by a special train leaving Port at 9 a,nL and returning at 11.15 a.m. Only officers 'and men from the warship will be allowed to travel by these trains. At this morning's function in connexion with the laying of the founda-tion-stone of the Returned Soldiers' Club, the Mayor will give a short address of welcome. Mr O. T. J. Alpers will then speak, and will be followed by Admiral 'Viscount Jellicoe, Mr N. B. McCallum, president of the Returned Soldiers' Association, , returning thanks. Mr J. R. Brunt, secretary of the Canterbury Justices of the Peace. Association,. has been informed by Captain Leggett. of H.M.S., New Zealand, that Monday afternoon, at 3 o'clock, has been fixed for the official visit of the members of" the Justices' Association. Members will leave by' the' 2.45 - p.m. train from . Christchurch. . On Monday about 200 men from H.M.S., New-Zealand will'be'.taken for an outing in tho country. The programme is Square 10 a.m. for Eyre ton, arriving at Oxford at noon, where luncheon will, be served in a marquee on. the. Show Grounds, the arrangements for which are in the hands of the W.C.T.U.; leave for Rangiora about 2.45 p.m., arriving at 3.30, and partaking of afternoon tea in the Drill Hall- leave Rangiora at 5* p.m.-pass-ing. through Kaiapoi. at. 5.30? and arriving at the Colo,sseum at 6.15. To-morrow, in the Anglican .' Cathedral, Admiral Jellicoe will present the Dean and Chapter with a flag /flown by at. the surrender of; the German fleet. The Admiral wilj leave later in the day for Timaru and Dunedin. . ' " ; The cruiser will be open for inspec(tion by the public from 1 p.m. until 5 I p.m. to-day, to-morrow, and on Monday. To-day. additional_pa6senger trains will be run between Christchurch • and Lyttelton, leaving Christchurch at 12.30, 1.50, and 2.5 p.m., returning from Lyttelton at 4 p.m.'/ and 4.30 p.m. Special passenger trains' will be run to the Port and back between neon and 5 p.m. to-morrow;

ADMIRAL AND MAORIS. EXCHANGE OF GREETINGS. j The following greetings have gassed between the Maoris of Tuahiwi and Viscount Jellicoe, Admiral of the Fleet:— To Admiral Lord Jellicoe, H.M.S. New Zealand.—The Maoris of Tuahiwi and Kaiapoi, from whence sprung the greatest warriors of oldj welcome.your Lordship, Lady Jellicoe, officers, men, and ship to the shores of our ancient forefathers. We have noted with pride IP ® Jutland Battle the flag presented by tho Maoris of Tuahiwi was flown at your masthead. May your sojourn amongst Us be. full of .happiness. Haere Mai Haore Mai, Haere Mai— Te Hau, of Tuahiwi. To the Maoris of Tuahiwi and KaiaP°V "j thank you for the greetings and good wishes you send on behalf of t j M ?°,^ s of Tuahiwi and Kaiapoi. ntfa-H ICOe J, °® c ® rs » and men, of f Tr^A ew Zealand, and I 3 are proud of H.M.S. Now Zealand, and ore proud to receive such a message from the descendants of tho gallant and chivalrous warriors of the past. The JSavv will ever remember that your flag was flown aboard at the Battle of JutKia. Or a.—Jellicoe, Admiral of tho Fleet.

ASHBURTON EECEPTION. COUNTY COUNCIL AND MINISTERS SOME PLAIN SPEAKING. A lengthy discussion took place at the meeting of the Ashburton County f Council yesterday on the original intention of the members of the Council to proceed to Rakaia tomorrow to meet Admiral Viscount Jellicoe on his entry into the_ Ashburton district—the protest against this proposal which nad been made by ministers of various Ashburton "churches. Telegrams were received- from' Admiral Jellicoe canceling Sunday proposal and from lus

secretary, stating that ho had receive* a visit from the Deputy-Mayor of Ashburton, who had made representations in regard to a reception by Ashburton district residents and - children next week, and that Admiral Jellicoe would be pleased to make a stay at Ashburton on his return from Timaru on Friday next. The chairman (Mr John Cairns) explained that he had at first been giv?n to understand that Admiral Jellicoe would be passing through on Monday, the Bth inst., and arrangements had been made for the Council to meet him at Rakaia. The date had afterwards been fixed for Sunday, and the Council could do nothing but to arrange to meet the distinguished visitor on the Sundays. He had been at Rakaia cn two previous occasions with members of the Council to welcome distinguisheii visitors. The function in connexion with Admiral Jellicoo's visit would only 1 have been a matter of a formal welcome and the shaking of hands, but the ministers of Ashburton churches had taken the matter up and protested, and they were not now to make any encroachment on the Sabbath. He felt very sore in the matter, and strongly objected to the ministers putting their noses in where they were not wanted. If they would mind their own business it would bo better for themselves, ano their churches would be better filled. He was not going to be domineered over by them nor would he make one to join with the borough in a reception in Ashburton. and was not goir; to nlav second fiddle to the Ashburton Borough Council. His opinion was that tho County Council should now make arrangements to meet Admiral Jellicoe at the upper Rangitata traffic bridge on his entry into the southern part ot the county on his return from Timaru.

Mr C. Reid strongly supported the j chairman's action, but hoped lie would re-consider his decision not to join in the reception at Ashburton. Mr W. T. Lill said he held very strong views on the question of the observance of the Sabbath, and he would not oven attend a reception to the King himself on a Sunday". The British nation had held the Sabbath rathei loosflly. but he hoped they would never hold it as the Continental Sabbaths were observed. Ho had been much concerned when he learnt that the County Council was going to meet Admiral Jellicoe on a Sunday. He hoped. the chairman would alter his views, ana that Admiral JeKicoe would be given a royal welcome in Ashburton. Mr A. Drummond expressed tho opinion that the Ashburton ministers had taken a very narrow view of the matter. Admiral Jellicoe had come *13,C00 miles to instruct them on naval matters, and if the ministers had not taken such a narrow view of the reception, they would have been with the Council in their proposal to meet the distinguished visitor at Rakaia. Had Admirul Jellicoe stopped fighting on Sundays, what position would the British nation now occupy? Mr H. J. Harrison remarked that the greatest battle which had ,ever taken place was fought on a Sunday. He agreed with Mr Drummond that the ministers had adopted a narrow attitude. When the minister eame to his house on a Sunday he was always entertained. and if there was a fat goose about it was killed and cooked for the Sunday when the minister was paying his visit to his district.

Other members of tho Council having expressed their views, it was_ unanimously decided that the Council, as a body, should proceed to the upper Rnngitata traffic bridge and welcome the Admiral on his entry into tin* country, and that a teiegram. bo sent asking him if this arrangement would suit him. The Mayor of Ashburton has received a telegram from Viscount Jellicoe stating that he will have great pleasure in. receiving the Moyor and councillors, residents, and children on his return journey from Timaru on Friday, September 12th.