H.M.A.S. AUSTRALIA

Evening Star, Issue 21519, 18 September 1933, Page 7

H.M.A.S. AUSTRALIA

INSPECTED BY THE PUBLIC OVER 20,080 VISITORS Over the week-end there was an influx of visitors to Port Chalmers, which assumed au extremely busy appearance, the attraction, of course, being H M.A.S. Australia, which was thrown open to the public from 1.30 to 4.30 p.m. on Saturday and again yesterday. Thousands availed themselves of the opportunity to visit the 10,000 ton cruiser, and in addition to the number of private motor cars, which were parked in practically every street in the town, the trains carried some 2,000 people from Dunedin. The 2.30 train from the city on Saturday was the most heavily taxed. It consisted of fourteen carriages, and carried 600 passengers, who swarmed on to the wharf about 3 o’clock, packing round the gangway amidships. It was some time before these people were able to go aboard, as at this time • more than 1,000 visitors were already on the decks. Three hundred and fifty passengers had already gone to Port Chalmers by the 12.15, and a similar number was conveyed to the Lower Harbour by a special train which.ran half an hour later. The actual number of visitors, as registered on board on Saturday was 10,153. Owing to greatly enlarged proportion of motor vehicles, the Port Chalmers police were assisted in controlling the traffic by several constables from the city. Probably Port Chalmers has never been the Mecca of so much vehicular traffic as that which wended its way from all directions from. an e: ly hour yesterday afternoon. Streets near the wharves were lined on both sides with parked cars, which would number very close, to a thousand. In addition to the large number of persons who travelled by car, 2,300 were conveyed to the port by five special trains, whilst the railway buses also carried full complements. Cyclists were also numerous, and there were not a few who walked to the scene of activity. It is stated that H.MiA.S. Australia brought the largest number of visitors to Port Chalmers "yesterday since the Fourth Contingent left for South Africa. The total number of visitors was 20,125, which figures are well above the ship’s average at any port. Her record number for one day to date is 30,000 at Brisbane. Port Chalmers was in its happiest mood throughout the glorious t warm afternoon, and George street pier presented a gay and picturesque scene—one which will surely be remembered for many long years'by all who visited the Australia. Not until a late hour last night, after the sailors who had been on shore leave had .returned to the ship, did the lively spirit which had been m evidence during the week-end wane. From the time the gangways were opened to the public there was a neverending stream of people seeking admission to the ship, whose fittings were admired by all who went aboard. People were still going on board two hours after the ship was thrown open for inspection, but after that time the position was reversed. Except for the crushing at the gangways, which was rather lamentable, but quite out of the control of the ship’s company, the method of dealing with the crowd on the Australia was indeed an eye-opener to the majority of visitors. Careful planning of the routes through which the people would be directed from the time they went until they had traversed the ship from end to end was shown. At every companionway' a guard was stationed to direct the sightseers to avoid congestion, and their efforts were sorely required. It is difficult to imagine how anyone could have made a thorough tour of the ship had it

not been for the sailors on duty at every conceivable point. OTHER ACTIVITIES. During the latter part of last week the Ensign was flown at half-mast, by order of the Admiralty, as a mark of respect to the late King Feisal of Iraq. The searchlights were brought into action on Friday night, when the penetrating shafts of light made a very pleasing picture as they were thrown skywards. The ship’s band went ashore on Saturday morning to carry out marching practice, and their manoeuvres attracted a large crowd to the waterfront. , „_ _ Captain W. S. F. Macleod, 0.8. E., R.N., called on the mayor (Rev. E. T. Cox) to say good : bye this morning. He also expressed his appreciation of the many kindnesses extended to the ship a company and himself during their stay in port. HOCKEY ON SKATES. At the invitation of the management of Murray’s Rink, several sailors were present at an entertainment specially arranged on Saturday night in honour of the visit of the cruiser. The main features of the evening were the various competitions arranged for the visitors. The sailors, in their usual happy style of enjoying any form of exciting amusement, took part in the races and novelties with much gaiety. Some, to the vast amusement of their comrades, found some difficulty in keeping their land legs, and spent a fair portion of the time spreadeagled on the floor. The main item of the night was the hockey match on skates, when a team of the boys in blue played an exciting match against Murray’s team, which is the champion team of the South Island. The match provided a splendid exhibition, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the large crowd of spectators present. Among the. other novelty items were wheelbarrow and tyre races, a quarter-mile handicap event for the sailors, and a lucky spot couples. The winners of these items were presented with suitable prizes. . VIBIT CONCLUDES. Captain Macleod, his officers, 'and men are highly pleased with their stay here. Everybody seemed eager to make the ship’s stay a pleasant one. The Port Chalmers Band played on the wharf yesterday afternoon and in the rotunda in the evening. The Australia sailed at 1.45 p.m. to-day for Akaroa, where she stays a day and then proceeds to Wellington to join H.M.A.S. Canberra and the New Zealand Division. On September 27 the Canberra and Australia leave for Jervis Bay, thence to Sydney, CRUSH AT LYTTELTON 33,000 VISIT CANBERRA. [Pe* Unit4d Press Assooixtiok.] CHRISTCHURCH, September' 17. About 33,000 people visited the Canberra at Lyttelton to-day, and for three hours the police had great diffi. culty in controlling the crowd of more than 2,000 on the wharf beside the ship. During this time the crowd struggled to gain admission, and the crush became so serious that women fainted and children had to be handed back Over the heads of the crowd out of danger. One sergeant and four constables were on duty at tile entrance to the gangway, but for a time their efforts to keep the crowd in order were unavailing, and some of the policemen’s helmets were knocked off. In the streets motor cars were parked for half a mile from, the wharf. The Railways Department organised a tweut.v-five-minute service, but this was insufficient and had to be augmented. The day was gloriously fine.