AMERICAN TOURISTS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 133, 2 December 1931, Page 5

AMERICAN TOURISTS

VISIT OF THE MALOLO

TWO DAYS TOO SHORT

(By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post.") AUCKLAND, This Day. Women predominate among the passengers on the American luxury liner which was at Auckland on Monday and yesterday. Some of them stayed on board and did not wish to see any of New Zealand' 3 wonderland. When asked why, they replied that they were tired of being whisked hither and thither in special trains and motor-cars. Travelling ashore had been far too strenuous, and what they needed at this stage of the journey was quietness and rest. ■ ■ "Although we have been well catered for,'' said one lady,'' there has been too much rush at way ports. Some of us are very tired, and it would have been much better if a longer time were spent at some places. Several of us made up our minds to stay aboard in Auckland and rest. We just want to do as we like, and take a walk up tho city; be left alone, to see things for ourselves, and take our own time: about it. "From early morning till late at night we have been; rushed at some way ports, and have travelled at 60 miles an hour and covered ISO miles by motor-car in a day. It's been too much. At this stage of the cruise arrangements should have been made for the ship to remain at Auckland for four or five days; then we would: have' had time to see things. On some of the automobile trips we have taken dogs and chickens, and even ducks have been killed, on the road ao that speed should not be sacrificed." ■ - Since its last visit to Auckland the Malolo has undergone a complete transformation in appearance. The chocolate hull and buff funnels; of the Matson Line have.been replaced by an entirely new colour scheme to bring the Malolo into conformity with the company's two new ships, which will take up tho running between San Francisco and Auckland next year. The hull and super-structure are painted pure white, with a narrow blue band extending through the complete length of • the ship. The funnels are the usual buff colour, with a blue top and the letter M on the side, and below the waterline the vessel is painted green. During its tour the Malolo has called at Hilo and Honolulu in the Hawaiian Islands, Yokohama, Kobe, and Myajima in Japan, Chinwantao, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, Singapore, Batavia, Macassar, Port Moresby, and Sydney. ' A busy scene was presented wnen the Malolo had berthed and the passengers were being organised into parties to undertake the shore trips. Within a few minutes 17 left in five motorcars for Waitomo, Caves, the Chateau Tongagiro, Wairakei, and Botorua. Tho majority, numbering 108, left by special train direct for Kotorua, where they spent two days. The party was accompanied by Mr. S. J. Collett, of the Tourist Department, Wellington, and Mr. J. W. Clarke, Auckland manager of the Department. "New Zealand has a great appeal to every American tourist who comes^ here " said Mr. Louis D. Stone, cruise director on the Malolo. # "Not only are visitors charmed with the Dominion's scenery, but the people are much liked and the general atmosphere of friendliness is appreciated." Mr. Stone said1 that on tho last cruise of the Malolo in the Pacific New Zealand ranked high in . the • list of places which most impressed the sightseers. Although; China was voted_ the most interesting country visited, possessing the most impressive city f-Pekinz), the most striking edifice (the Summer Palace; Peking), and the most impressive river (the Pearl Eiver), New Zealand was voted the country possessing the finest native population. STgauruhoe was considered to be the second finest mountain, Japan holding first place. Auckland was voted the third finest city visited.