OUR VISITORS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18461, 15 August 1925, Page 13

OUR VISITORS.

Shore Leave to be Curtailed. • OUTING TO SUMNER A merry party of 500 American bluejackets went to Sumner yesterday, where the friendly reception given them must have done at least something to dispel the feelings of uneasiness or resentment caused by the incidents of the night before. Probably to prevent the recurrence of any other nasty disturbances, Admiral Schofield has ordered that shore leave be curtailed, and that his men return to their ships earlier. This will not interfere with the entertainments arranged for the men, however, as those detailed for attendance at any entertainment will not be recalled unduly early; The visitors are having the worst possible experiences of New Zealand weather. The morning yesterday was fine and sunny, but a bleak wind in the afternoon brought a depressing drizzle.

VISIT TO SEASIDE. WARM WELCOME AT SUMNER. "This is the sort of outing we like, and we don't care how many more we get like it." The speaker was an American sailor, who was telling his appreciation of the trip arranged for 500 men of the fleet yesterday morning by the people of Sumner, and the Christchurch Tramway Board, and the look on his face and those of his companions was evidence that what he said was true. The men, who belonged to several of the vessels at Lyttelton, on arriving at the Christchurch railway station, had ' boarded the standing trams and trailers with whoops and cheers, like happy school children, and after being taken into the Square; had made the trip to thfe hospitable seaside resort along a route, on each side_ of which people coming to their front doors or standing on the footpaths gave them a friendly handwave. A pleasant surprise for the blue jackets was the hearty welcome by the children of the Redcliffs School, the puyils cheering themselves hoarse as the trams passed by. More rousing cheers greeted the sailors when they arrived at their destination, the Sumner Town Hall, in front of which a large crowd ot residents and school childreu was assembled. Mayor's Happy Speech. The Mayor (Mr W. H. Nicholson), speaking from a balcony, welcomed the visitors in an appropriately brief speech, which immediately put every one in a good humour. He hoped that they would enjoy their sojourn in the borough and remember it for many a day. He considered that the clerk of the weather owed the visitors an apology for the conditions which had obtained since their arrival at Lyttelton, and lio assured them that as a rule better weather was experienced in Christchurch. The people of Sumner, continued the Mayor, deeply appreciated the honour that was done them by the United States ill allowing its men to visit the borough, and there was no doubt that such visits did much to further the friendship between that great country and the Dominion. The Sumner people were pleased to know, he added amidst smiles, that their borough was so well known in America that naval autliorites had seen fit to name one of their destroyers (U.S.S. Sumner) after it. A Keserved People. Canterbury was a very English community and all such people were noted for their reserve. No doubt the Americans had noticed this since their arrival. "But," said, the Mayor, "I can assure you that our feelings towards you are of the friendliest, although, like other communities, we have an undesirable element here, who do not represent the feelings of the right-think-ing people of the city. (Applause.) I daresay you have some among yourselves—but in a very small degree." On behalf of the ladies of the borough, the Mayor then invited, the visitors to a cup of coffee and other refreshments. Ik responding Lieut. Hyatt sa»d that on the present occasion there was no need to apologise' for the weather, the day in fact being the sunniest t*iey had experienced since their arrival at Lyttelton. The welcome extended himself and men was one they all appre-, ciated and he was sure that the visit, which ho regarded as an epoch in the cruise of the Fleet, would do much to enhance the friendly feeling between the people of the two countries. He was especially pleased to see the children present; they were a fine looking bunch. "Thank you very much for your hospitality,'' he concluded. "You are going to be the men and women of the future," said the Mayor to the children, "and will get the benefit of the friendship of that great country which is honouring ycu to-day." Among Friends. After (refreshments and casaretrtes had been given them, the sailors did ?ot have far to look before they real!sed that the Mayor's speech of welcome was to be supported by realities. Friendly glances greeted t'lieni on all sides, and in a dew moments tliey were chatting easily with their hosts, who found them to he "regular fellows," use the sailors' own phrase. .The children were especially popular with the men. who took them up in their arms, romped with them, and Save them pick-a-backs until they Ve r© tired. The young women of Sumtoo, were most friendly, and several of them took addresses so that Joey might be able to correspond with th ? Americans when their vessels had sailed from New Zealand waters. Some of the visitors hailed a milk cart on which thev had a drive through t pe borough, while others were given Jtfes i n motor-cars or on horse-back, "there again, more venturesome than their mates, climbed to the top of a nearby cliff where they stood: silhouetted against the sky. had a jolly time, and a c°"sKlernumber chose to remain behind S#"* than return to the city, when tte special trams left after a stay of a of hours. L . f ,irrn, a to a representative of ine Press," thf. Maror expressed hi* ar!? B u- re at the success , °J- tb ° had thanks to the ladies' who had in the entertainment rf .the

LEAVE CURTAILED. UNTIL AFTER THE RACES. With tli© exception of the men attending the different evening functions in the city, all those on leave yesterday 3'cturned to their ships at six o clock. Hear-Admiral F. 11. Schofield stated that as it was not desired to overtax the accommodation in the city during race weekj instructions had been issued that the men were to return earlier each evening to their ships. When the races are over, normal leave may be allowed. It is not intended that this should interfere with the entertainments arranged by the people of Christchurch and men who wished to attend these functions could do so. As a result of these instructions, very few of the men were seen about the city streets last night, and all those on leave weTe attending the various functions arranged for them. PARTY FOR TIMARU. PROGRAMME ARRANGED. (special to "the press.") TIMARU, August 14. A meeting of the committee set up to make arrangements for the entertainment of the 440 officers and men of the American Fleet who have 'been invited to come to Tlmaru on Tuesday was held this evening, the Mayor (Mr G. J. Wallace) presiding. The, following arrangements were made: The visitors will be met at the Railway Station, and after marching through the town, will be tendered a civic reception at the Borough Council Chambers. Luncheon and afternoon tea tickets will be distributed, and the men will disperse. The officers will be entertained at; luncheon at 1 p.m. at the Grosvenor Hotel by the Mayor and Councillors. At 1.10 p.m., motor-cars will be assembled outside the Council Chambers opposite the Post Office, to take as many of the men as may desire to go on a sightseeing trip round the town and suburbs the run lasting about an hour. Similar trips will be arranged later for the officers, their entertainment being left in the hands of the ■Mayor and Messrs E. A. Scott and W. T. Ritchie. Should the weather be unfavourable the civic reception will be held in the Theatre Royal and indoor entertainments arranged. It was decided that- distinctive badges should be provided for members of the committee to serve as a guide to those of the visitors desiring information. HARE DRIVE. GOOD DAY'S SPORT. The arrangements for the hare drive for officers of the Fleet were deputed to a party of Christchurch sportsmen by the Entertainment Committee, and they were most successfully carried out yesterday. The party consisted of about twenty officers in addition to the Christchurch sportsmen, and the journey was made in eight motor-cars, which left the city at 7.45 a.m. The "drive" took place over tho runs of Messrs Milligan and Mathieson, on the Kowai River, beyond Springfield. The country was found partly under snow, but the walking was good, and the sport was so line that the officers who took part had overflowing bags to take back to their ships. They expressed themselves very pleased with the day's sport, and some of them stated that they had enjoyed the outing more than any other treat arranged for them since leaving their own country. COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS* CONCERT. A hundred American sailors were entertained by the Christchurch Commercial Travellers' Association at a, smoke concert last night at the Jellicoe Hall. The Association gave the following items-:—Part songs, "To the Death, "Song of the Jolly Roger," "In a dola," and "Simjjle Simon"; solos by Messrs H. Taylor and B. Growhurst; duet, Messrs B. Trewern and A. L. Cropp; quartette, Messrs A. L. Cropp, J. L. Peake, W. Cookson, and A. Wcrsley: recitations, Mr A. • The "Star Spangled Banner was sung by the sailors, and the National Anthem was also sung. After the concert the sailors attended the dance at the Art Gallery. BASKET-BALL. n r\f„nrlav evening at the Y.M.C.A, On Mo _ - o , c i oC k, the basket-ball rooms at I ° » , vun . game, tho Fleet versus thfl Y.M.C.A., will ha jolayedr

MONEY TO SPEND. LYTTELTON IS BUSY. Although tho leave of tho men as far as Christchurch is concerned, is restricted, they have later leave in Lyttelton and the streets of tho port wero never so thronged as they wero hist night. ' Tho men were paid yesterday, and ; tho -tradespeople of the port are reap- • iug a rich harvest. There have boon 1 no disturbances at Lyttelton, and any ] of the men who show any inclination to i rowdyism, are quickly dealt with bv tho 1 ever vigilant and very efficient Natval police. RECEPTION BY CREW OF FLAG- j SHIP. ] Yesterday afternoon tho petty officers and men of the Flagship Omaha, 1 held a reception to their friends. There j was an attendance of over four bun- t dred visitors, who spent a very enjoy- , able afternoon. Dancing was indulged , in, two bands, including the ship's band, providing tho music.. Tho main ] deck was gaily decorated for tho occa- , sion, with hunting and coloured lights, ] while a large canvas awning kept the ] rain off. On a lower deck afternoon tea was served at long tables, attended I by a staff of orderlies. Those who ' , were fortunate enough to bo presen? i i at the reception canio away with an . enhanced opinion of tho hospitality of tho visitors. < MORE YOUNG VISITORS. "With tho breaking-up of tho secondary schools for tho term holidays, there was a further large influx of visitors to Lyttelton yesterday to see the American Fleet. -Most of the destroyers aired their bunting, giving the ship's a gay appearance. , Large crowds aro expected at Lyttel- : ton this afternoon anil to-morrow. Tho Railway Department expects to run a special frequent sen-ice to and from tho port in the afternoon. SEARCHLIGHT DISPLAY. The searchlight display given by the visiting warships at Lyttelton last night, was a revelation of what can bo done by a massed display. Lyttelton folk had previously seen one or two searchlights in action, but the brilliance and variety of the display given last night was simply amazing. The next display will be given on Monday night. VISIT TO THE SHIPS. ( _____ i c Arrangements have been made for 1 the president (Mr H. Herbert Smith) and members of tho Justices of the , Peace Association to pay an official . call on Admiral Schofield at 10.30 ( a.m. on Monday. } Two officers visited the school for the deaf at Sumner yesterday, and arrangements have been made for the children at the school to visit the Omaha. > The students attending the Canterbury School of Engineering will visit the warships at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. TO VISIT RAPAKI PA. Some of the officers of the Flagship Omaha, having expressed a desire to see the Maoris, .tho Mayor of Lyttelton (Mr F. E. Sutton) is arranging for a party to visit the Rapakl Pa to-morrow afternoon. Lyttelton residents are asked to put their cars at the disposal of the party. CARS FOR ASHLEY GORGE. In addition to the 500. American sailors who have been invited by the Canterbury Automobile Association to make- the trip to Ashley Gorge to--morrow, 75 officers will also go. More cars will, therefore, bo required for the purpose, and it is hoped that offers to provide them will be forthcoming today. UNITED SONG SERVICE. A good time, it is anticipated, will be spent by the men who attend the United Song Service. arranged by the Y.M.C.A., which is to take place in the Art Gallery to-morrow evening. The choir from tho Oxford terrace Baptist Church will assist. Brief speeches are to be given by Archdeacon P. B. Haggitt, president of the Clerical Society, and by the Rev. E. D. Patchett, president of the Ministers' Association. TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. 11.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.—Race Meeting, at Riccarton. Sydenham Hurdles and Lincoln Steeplechase. "MciU's and men guests of Canterbury Jockey Club. Luncheon provided at 11.30 a.m. 2.30 p.m.—Senior Grade Rugby Footbail'l Match, Old Boys v. Combined City Clubs, Lancaster Park. Offi- • cers and men in uniform admitted free. 2.30 p.m.—Soccer Match, English Park, Nomads v. St. Albans, (second round English Cup). Officers and . men in uniform admitted free. 230 p.m. —Rugby League Match, Hornby v. Marists' Old Boys, Monica Park. Officers and men. in uniform admitted free. 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. —High Tea for 300 petty officers and men, Art Gallery. Dispensed by members of Canterbury "Women's Club. 7.30 p.pi. to 11 p.m.—Dance for petty officers and men. Art Gallery. Canterbury Women s Club in charge. 8 p.m.—Savage Club Korero. Masonic Hall, Gloucester street. 50 officers invited. 8 p.m.—Star of Linwood Ledge Dance, Jlolleston street Hall. 25 men invited. And To-morrow. 9.30 a.m.—Motor-car Excursion for 500 officers and men to Oxford ami Ashley Gorge, arranged by the Canterbury Automobile Association. Leave Cathedral square 9.30 a.m.; I return 5.30 p.m. I 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.—High Tea for 500 petty officers and men, Art Gallery. Dispensed by members of Y.M.C.A. 7.30 p.m.—United Song Service, Art Gallery. Y.M.C.A. in charge. 8.15 p.m.—Concert, Liberty Theatre. Owing to the fact that the rain of tho past day or two has made things very damp underfoot in the Botanic Gardens it was decided to abandon the concert by the band from the fleet originally fixed to be sriven to-momr®-afternoon in the Gardens. The fleet band will give some selections at the concert at the Theatre %osnaamr evenim.

NAVY'S STRONG MAN. A SHOW AT AUCKLAND. iSrECUL TO "TflK TStSS.") AIOKLAND, August 14. John J. Hajnos, a ship's fitter oa the West \ irginia. is tho strong of thi? American Fleet. Just U>r a pastime Hajnos exercises daily with --301b weights, and between twists o-lii iiu'h spikes with h:s t<*oth. while with Ins fingers ho breaks lw inch spikes by twisting them ns though thoy were nieces of rubber tubingA l, ports touched bv tho Hajnos has given exhibitions of hi* strength, and frequently has been eagaged to slv>w at theatres. In an exhibition last ovoniKc he astou-iided a large audience when he played with a 2001b anvil, ;i L'.jOlh bar-bell, v, ;ti; aa list man hanging on each erd of it. Hajnos is tiie strong mail >■: the navy, and he looks the part. Knots of muscle stand out on his shoulders, sad his arms had the appearance of gnarled tree limbs. lie heaves a huge bar of iron above his h»?ml with as ni uch case as ho would raise an umbrella. Hajnos twists pieces of iron round hi.» neck as easily as an ordinary man would a tie. while it is quite simple for him to break his "tooth pick."' which happens to be a ten inch nail. Finally, he caps his wrformance by balancing on his chest a wt'"i > anyi'whi!o two men, using 1-tlb sledge hammers, flatten pieces of metal oa tho anvil. SUNSHINE AT AUCKLAND. (PRRSS ASSOCIATION TXLXG&AJI.) AICKLAND, August 14. Cold, stormy weather which has prevailed since tho day of the fleet's arrival, to-day gave place to sunshine, tho men ashore taking full advantage of tho perfect conditions for sightseeing. Admiral Hobisou aud 200 officers went to Kotorua. to-day, accompanied by Sir James Parr, representing the Govurnment. They arrived at Kotorua at noon, and wero received by the Mayor and Councillors. Tho visitors greatly enjoyed the welcome accorded them by a great Maori gathering at Qhinemutu. On Monday, 200 officers will proceed to Kotorua, and 50 officers to Hamilton'. TOO MUCH HOSPITALITY. (press association TxutoaAMO WELLINGTON, August 14. Tho 'weather moderated a little today, enabling parties of officers and men of the Fleet to visit sorno of the country districts udjacent to Wellington.' ' Admiral Coontz and his senior officers were guests at the New Zealand Club. The Admiral, in acknowledging the hot- ' pitality, said it was impossible to ae- ■ cept all the offers and still carry on the necCSsary work of the ships. EXCURSIONS INTO . COUNTRY. ' (PBESS ASSOCIATION TKUSOEAX.) DUNEDIN, August 14. ' The first excursions into the country were provided to-day for the naval visitors, and visits wero paid to Palmerston, Waikouaiti, and the Middlemarsh. Tho weather was cold and wet, but tho men are making tho best of it and find* ing Dunedin citizens capable of extending a really warm welcome. The visitors wore entortained at daneea And private parties this evening. STORESHIP ARRIVES. (press association tslkobak.) DUNEDIN, August 14. \ Tho storeship Arctic, Commander J. N. Ferguson, at Port Chalmers this morning to replenish the food supplies of the destroyer flotills. Tfcs vessel left San Francisco on July 15th. and had good weather until reaching East Cape, when she encountered » southerly buster. The Arctic carries a crew of 170, mad in addition has on board 103 men to join various units of the Fleet,in Xwf Zealand. The vessel brought 200 tons of foodstuffs, including frozen meat and tresh fruit. She proceeds to. Lyttelton, Wellington, andA'ucklandwith victuals fot tho remainder of the Fleet. ' VISIT TO PALMEBSTON NOKTH(PBESS ASSOCIATION TUT Willi ' PALMERSTON NORTH, August 14. A detachment of twenty officers and 230 members of the American' Ftert from Wellington arrived here_hj. special train this morning. _ "jff were taken on a tour of tho diitrirt after being welcomed by tho Mayor* Mr Nathan. The programme of feativities is arranged tor a Tisit of oa* 4 day ° D,y - 5 BILLETING. { As there were no men granted or«r- ---[ night leave yesterday, there was no - call upon the billeting accommodatio* I provided at the \ .31.C.A. Md where in the city. Many of tbe ®*m visited tho Y.M.C.A. yesterday, j ! in the evening some of the men «» • I to the dance provided bv the \ at the Cafeteria in High street. M«* bers of the Y.M C.A are < ' with those of thoI.W.C.A. w nm- j ; ning these informal dances. A ; " ber of the men attended the dhw- j Sated lecture on New Zealand giTjm , 1 at the Y.M.C.A., and appeared to ap- j preciato it very much. _ * HARBOUR LIGHTS TEA. * ' Over 300 m«n attended the tea in the Art Gallery last evening, given by j the Harbour Lights Girls' Club and spent a pleasant time at tho danco which followed. 'Mrs J. K. Archer, ,j the president of the club, was amongst -j those who assisted Mrs J. C. Holmes. The chaperones were Mesdames Corson and Mason; the chairwomen wero Misses Jowsev and Fiddes, and amongst the helpers were 3li» Kg* (a visitor from Dunedin), Mrs H ucks, and the secretary, Miss K. * Assisting at the doors were Mewrs Poison, Throp, McLean, Fox, and Mason. At the entertainment gjrea , on Thursday evening in the JelUcoo Hall, Mrs Archer was J** 8 ™I®® 1 ®® a beautiful bouquet by Mrs Holmes, oa ■ behalf of the members of the club. ■ ———> l