H.M.S. RAMILLIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20140, 9 January 1940, Page 9

H.M.S. RAMILLIES

INSPECTION BY PUBLIC VAST CROWDS ABOARD 15.000 PEOPLE ON WHARF Seething crowds numbering many thousands thronged Wellington wharves when H.M.S. Ramillies was thrown open to the public. The visitors were so numerous it was impossible for them all to inspect the vessel. and by far the greater number had to go home without setting foot on her armour-plated decks. Considerably before tne ship was opened to visitors, crowds began to muster at Pipitea Wharf. There were large numbers of children, for the invitation to inspect the ship was directed particularly to the young folk of Wellington. The courtesy of the sailors in showing the children and their elders round the ship and explaining everything to them was an outstanding feature of the after noon. Visitors repeatedly commented on the patience and tolerance with which members of the ship’s company showed the youngsters whatever was most likely to interest them, demonstrated the workings of everything and explained highly technical matters in simple and interesting style to the children. Children Entertained

Black-bearded petty-offleers ' and blue-jackets solemnly yarned with wide-eyed youngsters thrilled at their first visit to a British battleship. For their entertainment, also, a party of bluejackets and marines picturesquely garbed as buccaneers armed with cutlasses and improvised pikes, and carrying also musical instruments and a Union Jack, made a sortie on to the wharf. Their colourful performance was greatly appreciated by the onlookers. Small boys showed special _ interest in the guns, and in all moving parts which were demonstrated to them, or which they were able to work by themselves. Women visitors were keen to glimpse the officers’ quarters and the ship’s galley, the preparation of the sailors' meals evidently being of paramount interest to housewives. Wharves Congested By three o’clock it was impossible to gain access to the ship for the masses of people crowded round the gangways, and, although the control of the crowd by police, harbour board officials and naval men was excellent, thousands of people got no nearer to the Ramillies than the barrier at the wharf end. While no check was made of the numbers of people who visited the ship, it was estimated that during the afternoon there must have been more than 15,000 people on the Pipitea wharf. The battleship presented an unusual appearance. Every spare yard of deck and all vantage points to which the public were admitted were packed with people, most of them seeing little more of the vessel from on board it than they could have done from the wharf. , , , , ... It, was necessary to hold back the visitors constantly, at the entrance to the wharf and at the gangway, m order to allow those on board to move on and make room for newcomers.