“RED LETTER DAY”

Gisborne Times, Volume LX, Issue 9800, 9 May 1924, Page 5

“RED LETTER DAY”

VISIT OF H.M.S. REPULSE.

"-THE ARRANGEAIENTS FOR

TO-DAY

ADULTS AND CHILDREN OVER 7 TO BE TAKEN ABOARD.

\ Arrangements for the conveyance, /of school-children <and the general 1 public to make a tour of inspection of the battle cruiser Repulse, while she lies at anchor in the Bay, were discussed at a largely-attended public meeting in the Municipal Chambers yesterday morning. The Mayor (Mr. G. Wildish) presided and associated with him were Messrs. W. D. Lysnar, M.P., aind Mr. George Smith, chairman of the Harbor Board. . The Mayor stated that it would be necessary for the committee to organise immediately. He had communicated with the Station-mafttcr and had arranged for train accommodation for children of the country ' schools, while others would be brought in by motor lorries. The district was very fortunate in being visited by the Repulse an'd be hoped that the people would make it a red letter day for the children. The tides were suitable and vessels would be able to leave the wharf from 9' a.m. to 1 p.m. _ ~ , Mr. W. D. M.P., said he was absent when the itinerary of the vessels had been arranged. On returning to Gisborne, lie had telegraphed the Prime Minister, asking that -this town should be visited and this had been done. He was very gratified that the district bad not been overlooked. He expressed tlie opinion that facilities should be provided for as many school children as possible to board the warship. The country schools as far as Tolaga Bay should he advised of the visit of the Repulse, so that the children in the outlying districts may have the pleasure of inspecting the vessel. He thought that free transport should be provided for the, children out to the warship and some charge made for adults to defray running costs. The Poverty Bav Club would probably entertain the "officers at luncheon. He emphasised that the gathering of representative citizens that day should make sure that all the children visited the battleship, as it -would probably be the only occasion, in their lives when they would have the chance. He expressed regret that the Hood was not coming, but it behoved them to make the best of things. The Mayor mentioned that it had been suggested by the chairman of the Harbor Board that the transport of the children should be left to Cap-. i tains Carson and Holmes, who were ' very capable of dealing with traffic. The chairman of the Harbor Board (Air G. Smith) pointed out the necessity of taking the children out to the Repulse ias early in the morning as possible, as be thought that the lighters would not be able to work the port much later than 2 p.m. He would be pleased to place Capt. Carson at their disposal. lie was or opinion that a transport committee should be appointed, with the, Harbormaster and Capt. Holmes supervising the work. The Mayor said that the earlier the captain allowed the children aboard the better, as the, trips would have to finish about 2 p.m. at the latest. The conveying of the children and the public should he done on the lines arranged for the Renown’s visit. The. Harbormaster pointed out that the river would ho navigable for lighters up till 3 p.m., so that visitors could stay aboard until near the Repulse’s sailing time . The suggestions made by waptains Holmes, Coleman, Robinson and -earson regarding the transport are as follows: ‘•The estimated number of children to be carried is 3000. W© suggest that the lighters Alatata, Matuka and Eliza Allen only he used for the children, these vessels to bo towed by the tugs Jolxn lotnley, Hipi and Takitimu. ‘••The embarkation area is at Waikanae Groyne, near stockyard. “Procedure: School children to lie mustered at Y< aikanae Groyne under their class teachers ana to proceed aboard the lighteis ,m charge -of the teachers so that discipline may be maintained tliroughout the visit. This wo consider V most necessary. , “We suggest that a wireless communication be sent to the Commander of the Repulse suggesting that the children be put on board at the after cr.d of the ship from lighters 100 feet in length and enquiring if the .ship lias gangways, and that it not, the' pert will supply them also enquiring what is the freeboard of the Repulse aft, and suggesting 8.30 a.m. as time for the children to commence coming aboard the number being about 3000. “The Superintendent of Police to he requested to allow two constables to he at the groyne. . “It will he necessary to consult the Collector of Customs regarding the embarkation. “Regarding adults, we suggest that the Tuatca, Tawcra and Gosford he engaged to take all adults—the latter to he embarked at fine town wharves. AYe suggest that a charge of 2s per head be made with the hi .n of financing the whole outlay, iuclncling taking out the children. The crew employed on the lighters will be the master and four men on each of the three vessels. Four men will be engaged on the oTOvnc to handle gangway and assist' in getting the children aboard, in addition to the men employed on the tugs.” On the motion oT the Mayor, Captains Carson and Holmes were appointed a committee to control tlie transport arrangements. Air Lvsnar suggested that the town children at least should be at the groyne at 7.30 and the first lot * despatched at 8 o’clock If 3000 children were to visit the vessel, it w’s useless waiting until 9 a.m. to send the first boat-load of youngsters out. * Air. Nolan said that on the occasion of the- Renown’s visit, it was decided that the lighters should be used for the children only, but the adults crowded the youngsters out. they did not want a recurrence this time. He moved a resolution to the effect that the - lighters should be reserved for the use of children only. Air. McLeod suggested that children from Std. 11. to fetd. VI. be taken out which would considerably reduce the number of children to-be handled, bringing down the number to about 2000. * , Air. C. G. Bayliss contended that all the children should visit the warSll Mr. AlcLeod said that he would . object to members of his teaching staff being in charge of children under five years of ege on the trip to the vessel. If the very young children went out, they should be in charge of their parents. He was prepared to amend his previous proposal making it that all children over 7 years of age be taken to visit the Air. said that the teachers .. should not have to hear the responsi- ' woility for children under 7 years. It there was accommodation for parents ■ goino- with tlie children under that age in the lighters, the Transport. Committee could use their discretion but the parents would have to pay just the same. ‘ A motion, proposed by Mr. JNolaii, recommending that the lighters should be used for conveying children) over 7 years of age was passed unanimously. . A committee consisting of the Mayor and Messrs. Rowley, AlcLeod and Crawsliaw was‘appointed to communicate with the country schools and make the necessary train

arrangements. The Cook County Council have lent lorries for the conveyance of tlie school children from Alakaraka, Manutuke and Muri‘wai. Tlie Alayor stated that he had received a request for a team from the Repulse to play an Association football match with a town team, and it was decided to refer this to the Commander. Air. H. F. Forster, chairman of the AVaikanae Beach Society, said that the Society was prepared to undertake *to provide yefreshmeuti for the country children on the beach before they returned home. On the motion of Air. W. D. Lysnar, the catering arrangements wore left to the Waikanae Beach Society, Women’s National Reserve, Women’s Club, and other organisations whose representatives promised to assist. The Alayor said that the town should make it a “red letter” . day and lie considered that the business people should be asked to close their premises. Air. A. E. Davy proposed that the business people he asked to close their premises until 1 p.m. to-day and this was carried unanimously. An official call will he made on the Commander of the Repulse at 8 a.m. Train arrangements have been made to suit country residents and school teachers. The usual morning train is quite convenient for people wishing to come into town, while the outward train in tlie afternoon has been postponed until 4.35 p.m. The Public AYorks Department has consented to run a special train on the Ngatapa line for the benefit of school children, and this will connect with the Alotuhora train, both morning and afternon. Adults will be charged usual fares, hut school children, teachers and members of school committees will he carried at school excursion rates.

EAIBARRATION ARRANG EAIENTS

PROPOSALS APPROVED

SOCCER. TEAAI UNABLE TO LAND.

In reply to % wireless message sent subsequent to the meeting yesterday, the Alayor has received the following radio from the Commander of H.AI.S. Repulse:—

“Lighters as suggested would he suitable; ship can supply gangways; cannot have more than 3000 children and adults aboard at- one time; soccer team unable land; must he clearly understood that these arrangements entirely depend upon smooth sea.”

DEPARTURE FROM WELLINGTON

HOOD, REPULSE, AND ADELAIDE LEAVE POP, NORTH.

WELLINGTON, May 8. Punctually at 6.45 a.m. the Hood left Pipitea wharf, followed by the Repulse and Adelaide. They made a fine picture as they moved down the harbor, en route to Nanier, Gisborne and Auckland. —P.A. WELLINGTON, May 8. Tlie Hood, Repulse and Adelaide steamed out of Wellington harbor in Lhe early morning, and are now well on their way to Auckland. Owing to tide- requirements- the ships will arrive in Auckland earlier than was anticipated on the morning cf the 10th. In order to do this they had to leave Wellington' at an early hour, so that few people were about to see. them off. . . The squadron will be at Rapier from 8 to 10 a.m. on Friday, hut the Repulse will proceed at once to Gisborne, where she will remain from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., joining the squadron at 4 p.m. ten miles off Gisborne. Owing to tide requirements the squadron will arrive in Auckland earlier than was anticipated on the morning of Alay 10). The squadron will pass between the Great Barrier and Cape Colville at 7 a.m. on Alay 10. The Admiral (Sir Frederick Field) will be pleased to receive the citizens of Napier aboard the Hood while the squadron is there, provided the weather conditions are favorable.—Spcl.

SEARCHLIGHT DISPLAYS

TO BE GIVEN ALONG EAST

COAST TO-NIGHT

WELLINGTON, Alay 7. A feature of the sojourn of the squadron here has been the very fine illumination on the principal Govenrment buildings. They were particularly beautiful and artistically designed. * Last night there was a brilliant display of searchlights from the thiee ships. * Many thousands of people witnessed it. Such a display had never before been seen here. In order to meet the requests of residents, the Admiral has agreed to turn the searchlights on on Friday night when steaming north as follow: T.okomaru Bay and Waipiro Bay at 6 p'm. and 7 p.m. Tuparoa and Port Awanm between 7 and 8 p.m. Te Araroa and Hicks Bay between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. fin each case the display will fast about a quarter of an hour. -His Excellency the Governor-Gen-eral has suggested that the children iu each district should be on hand at the various points at the beginning ot the times mentioned. —Special.

The Coast residents evinced a keen interest in the Special Service Squadron and Air. W. Oates got into touch with the Hon. A. T. Neaba, member for the Eastern Alaori electorate, and asked him to inquire if any ships could make a brief stay on the Coast. Air TO at a referred the matter to the Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey, from whom the following roply was received: “1 am glad to inform you that the Admiral- has arranged to display searchlights when passing along East Coast on Frida;/ evening. The apportioned times are as follow: Tokomaru Bay and Waipiro Bay, between 6 and 7; Tuparoa and Port Awanui, between 7 and 8- Te Araroa and Hick s Bay, between 9 and 10.” This reply was forwarded by Air. Ngata to Air Oates who immediately spread the good news.

and Waipiro Bay, between 6 and 7; Tuparoa and Port Awanui, between 7 and 8- Te Araroa and Hick s Bay, between 9 and 10.” This reply wae forwarded by Air. Ngata to Air Oates who immediately spread the good news. REPLY TO LYTTELTON’S GRIEVANCE. HOOD IS DIFFICULT SHIP TO BERTH. WELLINGTON. Alay 8. ! In reference to the comments that have been made about the big ships not having been taken to Lyttelton harbor and the statement that if the) Renown could have been berthed the Hood also could have been berthed, I learn that the matter was given the closest attention, and it was decided not to take the risk. As a matter of fact the Hood is a very different ship from the Renown and her construe- i tion is such that she is a much more difficult ship to berth. —Special. ADMIRAL’S FAREWELL MESSAGE, DEEP GRATITUDE FOR HOSPITALITY.

CHRISTCHURCH, Alay 8. In a farewell message to* the people of Canterbury, Rear-Admiral Sir H. Brand says: “On leavjng Canterbury, I would like to'express my deep gratitude and thanks to all who have in any way contributed to the very warm welcome and lavish hospitality that the officers) and'men of the sqpaclron have received in Christchurch, Lyttelton and the neighbouring country. The resources cf -.0 country, ■ the great similarity to England the Eiiglisli characteristics of the people, and the great' patriotism anu loyalty to . Mother country, have made lasting impressions on all of us. It will always he a matter

of deep regret to us that we are unable to make a longer stay in this beautiful country, and so be able, in same small measure to repay all the hospitality we have received, but_ we shall carry away with us, the happiest memories of our visit. In saying good-bye, we wish all every happiness and prosperity.”—P.A. THE DUNEDIN AND THE DAUNTLESS. GOING TO AUCKLAND INDEPENDENTLY. DUNEDIN, Alay 8. The Dunedin sails to-morrow morning for Auckland direct. She will not now pick up tlie Dauntless from the Bluff off Otago Heads, hut both vessels proceed independnet of each other and will join off Auckland harbor. This evening about 800 children and members of the Navy League were shown over the 1 vessel and a large number of the public inspected the vessel in the afternoon. A searchlight display was given to-night. The Alayor (Air. H. L. Tapley) is a, passenger to Auckland as the guest of Captain Ramsay.—P.A.