VISIT OF THE EMDEN

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 224, 18 June 1929, Page 10

VISIT OF THE EMDEN

AUCKLAND RECEPTION STATEMENT BY MAYOR Dominion Special Service. Auckland, June 17. The arrangements already announced for the reception’in Auckland of the German cruiser Emden are to stand. On returning from Wellington this morning the Mayor (Mr. G. Baildon) said he had met the German Consul (Mr. W. Penseler) and he was quite satisfied with what was proposed. The Emden is due to arrive from Thursday Island on Wednesday of next week in the course of her world cruise and she will remain here for nine days. “On the arrival of the cruiser,” Mr. Baildon said, “I intend to go on board and make an official call on the commander. I shall also take up with the City Council the matter of arranging for the free use by the men of the Emden of municipal facilities such as the baths and the Zoo. ' Provision of similar privileges on the trams is a matter for the Transport Board, but this will 'also be considered.” Mr. Baildon added that he was quite sure that the local arrangements met with the approval of the Consul, who was not anxious to have too much fuss made on the occasion of the visit. The arrival of the Emden in Auckland will be signalled by a salute of 13 guns from North Head. As the cruiser is in command of a captain and not an admiral, no salute will be given by the warships in port, this being in accordance with naval custom. On coming to her berth the vessel will be boarded by the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle), the officer commanding H.M.S. Philomel (LieutenantCommander J. D. Prentice), the general staff officer representing the Northern Military Command (LieutenantColonel J. E. Duigan), the Mayor (Mr. G. Baildon), the chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr: M. H. Wynyard), and ..the German Consul (Mr. W. Penseler). Official calls will be returned by the officer comanding' the cruiser. Apart from the visit to Auckland of the Minister of Internal Affairs for participation in the official calls, the Government will place two motor-cars at the disposal of the commander and officers during their stay in Auckland. A party of officers will also be entertained as guests of the Government at Rotorua and Waitomo, and free passes will be made available to officers and men on the railways. The entertainment committee which whs set up by citizens is progressing with the arrangements for a ball which is to be tendered to the officers ard for motor drives, which would be available to both officers and men. Entertainments for the men are being arranged at the Seamen’s Institute and elsewhere.