HUNDREDS ABOARD

Evening Star, Issue 22271, 24 February 1936, Page 12

HUNDREDS ABOARD

WARSHIP VISITORS WELCOMED EXCITEMENT DURING THUNDERSTORM What to the naval man loses its glamour because of his daily contact with it, is ever a source of particular interest to the landlubber, so that public inspections of any battleship never fail to attract widespread attention. Since the new Imperial sloop H.M.S. Wellington came into port for the first time last Thursday morning, she has been the object of admiring eyes. Many of those who had viewed her from the wharves were doubtless among the hundreds who boarded her for closer inspection during the week-end. A happy crew of Jack Tars welcomed their guests and devoted Saturday and Sunday afternoons to conducting them over the vessel and explaining its many contrivances and their uses. Yesterday afternoon there was a large timvd aboard, and there was much excitement among the visitors during the thunderstorm,* when decks were suddenly cleared and the shelter of “ below ” was sought. Polished articles were naturally soiled after much handling, but to-day the sailors went about' their work with a will restoring meticulous cleanliness to everything, and having more to show for their efforts than on days when there is nothing to cause things to lose their shine. Painting had to be delayed owing to the rain at the latter end of last week, but it was resumed to-day among the upper works of the vessel, which looked well in the morning sunlight, welcomed by one and all. Because of other engagement, the party of ratings was reluctant at having to cancel its motor tour in and about the city on Saturday afternoon. Commander J. B. E. Hall and his party enjoyed a fine round of golf at Waikouniti, as the guests of Rear-Admiral J. S. M. and Mr G. R. Ritchie, while yesterday the commander lunched with Sir James Allen. To-morrow night he will address former war servicemen at a function in the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Club, and on Wednesday night is to visit tho R.N.V.R. headquarters. Teams from the ship and R.N.V.R. will fire off a shooting match to-night, and to-morrow and Wednesday afternoons ’ will be given _up to erjeket matches against Carisbrook Club and Otago Boys’ High School elevens respectively A billiards match against returned soldiers has been arranged for to-morrow night, and a Soccer match may be fixed for Thursday afternoon, when a whale-boat race against an R.N.V.R crow will also be decided on the Upper Harbour. The Wellington is timed to sail for Oamaru on Friday morning at 8.30,