VISIT OF BYRD’S MEN.

Evening Star, Issue 26041, 4 March 1947, Page 10

VISIT OF BYRD’S MEN.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —I have been waiting for several days to make sure of my ground before writing this letter, but now I feel that it is justified. We have in the harbour at present two American navy ships which have followed several British Navy and one French navy vessel on visits to this port. On every previous occasion on which we have had such visits there have been official welcomes, and various functions have been arranged for the entertainment of the sailors, including free bus trips around the city and environs. I am one citizen of Dunedin at least who is very disgusted that such entertainment has not been arranged for the visiting Americans, especially in view of the fact that we are alleged to have a great reputation for hospitality down here. It has been forgotten that America was our ally in the recent war and did more than any other nation to save this country from the Japanese, but I suppose that we can afford to snub them now we no longer need their help. , I think it is a disgrace to this city that these lads (and most of them are very young) are walking our streets with nothing to do. I personally have not seen any of our people even tallying to them, and I am sure that if they had arrived from a leper colony they could have had no more frigid a reception—l would not say “ welcome.”

To anticipate a tirade of abuse I might make it clear that I was born in this city and spent three and a-half years overseas in several countries during the war, and nowhere was I better treated or received a better welcome than in America.

It is too much to expect people here, to take Americans to their hearts, but it is not too late to show them a little friendliness, which, after all, costs nothing. I am afraid that the term “ smug,” which has bejen applied to us bv many overseas visitors, errs only on tlie side of iiinderstatement.—l am, etc., Alghero. February 28. [The Deputy-mayor (Cr J. McCrae) states that the Mayor met the officers of the ships and arranged for the entertainment of the men during their stay in Dunedin. “ Everything possible is being done for them,” said Cr McCrae, “ including the provision of a daily sightseeing trip by bus around the city and its environs.”—Ed E.S.]