PUBLIC INSPECTS WARSHIP

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21941, 16 November 1936, Page 16

PUBLIC INSPECTS WARSHIP

♦ —— HUGE CROWD AT LYTTELTON

VISITORS THRONG H.M.S. ACHILLES

Not since the evening that H.M.A.S. Australia sailed from Lyttelton with H. the Duke of Gloucester on board has any warship attracted such a large number of the public to Lyttelton as did H.M.S. Achilles yesterday afternoon, when 7500 visited the ship. Although the number did not approach that recorded on the occasion of the visit of H.M.A.S. Canberra, the flagship of the Royal Australian Navy, m September, 1023, nor the number which visited H.M.S. Renown in 1921. it was j one of the largest crowds that have yet visited the Achilles, being qquai to that at Auckland, and the officials on board, as well as the police and traffic officers ashore, were fully occupied in handling the steady stream of people which for more tjian three hours continued to arrive by train and by motorcar. On Saturday afternoon only a few hundreds visited the ship, and they were able to make a more leisurely inspection of the latest addition to the New Zealand division. It was realised that yesterday would be the big day for visitors, and special arrangements were made to deal with the traffic. The Lyttelton police force was augmented by several constables from Christchurch, and the Lyttelton Borough Council’s traffic inspector had the assistance of two Main Highways Board inspectors. Extra trains were run by the Railway Department Although the ship was not to be opened to the public until 2 o'clock, visitors were arriving by train and car soon after 1 o’clock, and at about I. the authorities opened the gangways. Before long the ship was thronged with visitors in every part to which the public was admitted and as they left they were replaced by others. By 3 o’clock Norwich quay and London street were both lined with motorcars parked on both sides from Oxford street for about a third of a mile, while a special parking area was reserved for motor-cycles at the east end of Norwich quay. Soon after 4 o’clock the crowd began to diminish, but a large number remained aboard the Achilles until the visiting hours concluded at 6 o’clock. Yesterday morning a large number of the crew of H.M.S. Achilles marched to St. Saviour’s Church, West Lyttelton, where Divine service was conducted by the vicar, the Rev. E, E. Malden. Smaller parties attended services at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist Church, and §t. John’s Presbyterian Church.

DISPLAY IN CITY THIS MORNING

MARCH THROUGH STREETS

This morning a party from H.M.S. Achilles, consisting of 170 ratings, including the Royal Marines' band and seven officers, will march througa Christchurch. The parade will leave the Christchurch railway station about 9.50, proceeding along Manchej(ter street and High street to Cathedra I j square, where the Mayor <Mr J. \V. I Beanland) will take the salute. I The party will then, proceed we-1 (along Worcester street and Rolle-ton I avenue to Christ's College, where they will be given tea. Cater the parly will return to the railway station by way of Rolleston avenue, Cashel street. Colombo street, and Mcorhouse avenue.

VISIT BY SEA CADETS

INSPECTION BY CAPTAIN GLENNIE A party of 26 sea cadets attended divisions on board H.M.S. Achilles yesterday. They were inspected by Captain J. G. Glennie, R.N., who stated that he was very pleased with their appearance and bearing. The boys were afterwards shown round the ship. After lunch, a sailing race was held. H.M.S. Achilles’ first whaler was the winner, closely followed by the cruiser’s second whaler, with the two sea cadet whalers bringing up the rear. A further party of sea cadets went to Timaru on H.M.S. Wellington, commanded by Commander J. B. E. HalL The boys won high praise from tht officers of both ships.