H.M.A.S. AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 15, 12 October 1928, Page 3

H.M.A.S. AUSTRALIA

FLAGSHIP’S VISIT

ROUND OF SIGHTSEEING < . I — H.M.A.S. Australia, the new flagship of the Royal Australian Navy, was again the centre of interest , on the waterfront yesterday. During the morning a large number of school children were conducted over the ship, which" was again open to the general public for three hours in the afternoon. Well over 1000 school children and about 4000 or 5000 people have inspected the big cruiser during the last two days. This morning a large party of Sea Scouts and several parties of school children will visit the Australia, which will be closed to the general public during the afternoon, when ReatAdmiral Hyde' and his officers will be “at home” from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. to 500 guests. ' Yesterday morning a party of 7 officers and 43 men left on a visit to Palmerston North, where they were entertained at luncheon by the citizens and were taken'for drives to places of interest in the district. The party returned by the evening train after a very enjoyable outing in.fine weather. About 500 officers and men witnessed the screening of New Zealand films, including the landing of the Southern Cross, at the Artcraft Theatre. Many 'men availed themselves of the sightseeing tours during the- day. Dance for Petty Officers and Men. The Town Hall presented a gay scene last night on the occasion of the dance arranged by the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Navy League for the petty officers and i men of the flagship. A strong committee, headed by the President (Mrs. J. Findlay) had all the arrangements complete, and an abundance of partners for the lads in navy blue was supplied by the Girls’ Branch of the League, of which Dr. Helen Bakewell is chairman, and Miss Brien, secretary. The large Town Hall looked very gay with bunting and streamers, and all those present had a most pleasant time. The Ship’s Band. The very fine band of H.M.A.S. Australia attended at radio station 2YA last evening, and delighted the little folks with a programme of selections during the children’s hour. Mr. R. Darroch, secretary of the Wellington branch of the Navy League, accompanied the bandsmen. To-day’s Fixtures. , 7.50 q.m.—A party of 50 officers and

men leaves for Masterton. 10 a.m. to noon—Ship open to organised parties of school children. 2 p.m.—Sight-seeing tours. 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.—“At Home” on board. In the evening, a dinner, to be followed by a small dance, will be given for the officers at Government House. H.M.A.S. Australia will sail late tonight for Brisbane where she is due on October 17. After a stay of four days there she will proceed to Sydney arriving at that port on Tuesday, October 23.