SPECIAL SERVICE SQUADRON

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 195, 13 May 1924, Page 6

SPECIAL SERVICE SQUADRON

AUCKLAND CROWD OUT OF HAND By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, May 12. As the result of the serious crowding of people to view the battleship Hood on Sunday, nine people were removed to the ambulance depot. Mrs. and Miss King were taken with violent hysteria, and collapsed in the crowd. The former was removed to the hospital, where she recovered last night. They are said to be visitors from Taranaki. , , . It is estimated there were thirtyfive thousand people on the waterfront. The queue was four deep. Ihe police and harbour officials hopelessly tried to stop the heaving crowd until mounted police forced their way through and formed an effective guard at the wharf gates. Several thousands who bad already got through the gates stormed the Hood’s pangway. The ship was promptly closed to visitors. The Hood was cheerily hooted, but the incident passed off with laughter. Nobody got aboard. Tho admirals and officers _ of , the squadron were tendered a citizens’ reception at the .Town Hall this evening Lord and Lndy Jcllicoe were present, also the Prime Minister and the Hon’ C. J- Parr. Tho officers held a reception on the Hood this afternoon. FIJI PREPARES WELCOME. Suva, May 12. Admiral Field has approved tho whole programme of entertainment submitted for the naval visit to Fiji. The features are a native welcome of ceremonies and dances, a race meeting, a private party at Bega, and a display of firewalking. A country convention will also bo held during tho naval visit to discuss matters of vital importance to tho colony, and also.hear addresses by experts of the Agricultural Department.