GRAND WELCOME

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20507, 18 March 1941, Page 2

GRAND WELCOME

AMERICAN NAVAL MEN CHEERS IN TOWN HALL ST. PATRICK’S CONCERT DANCE HALLS THRONGED {Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. The first public appearance of Captain Ellis S. Stone, officer commanding the visiting United States naval squadron, was made last night in the Town Hall a few hours after the arrival of the cruisers and destroyers. When with a party of his ■officers, he was led into the Town Hall bv the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, and Bishop Liston during St. Patrick’s night concert, the great organ burst into the Star Spangled Banner and more than 3000 people rose to cheer the visitors. The Rev. Dr. Terry, in a short speech, welcomed Captain Stone and party. "No more welcome visitors have ever come among us.” he said, in calling for cheers, which were given thunderously and with a spontaniety remarkable for New Zealanders. Captain Stone acknowledged the welcome, remarking that the serried ranks of bonny children on the platform made a refreshing and charming sight for a sailor home from the sea. He said his officers and men were delighted to be in New Zealand. Charmed With Singing The naval officers were obviously charmed with the singing of the massed choir of children, applauding the anthem “Hail Glorious St. Patrick.” There was a mighty outburst of renewed cheering as the visitors left the hall to the strains of the Star Spangled Banner. American naval ratings and marines were besieged by members of the audience to autograph concert programmes. This typified the manner in which Auckland has taken American naval men to its heart. Queen street last night was full of gay parties, sailors and marines fraternising freely with New Zealand soldiers, sailors, airmen and citizens. Everywhere Uncle Sam’s men were arm-in-arm with young women thronging to the dance halls. The traditionally open-hearted Americans delighted the children in Queen street by giving away packets of “candy” and ice cream after prodigal spending in the sweet shops.