TO VISIT THE BAY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 58, Issue 4174, 17 August 1949, Page 8

TO VISIT THE BAY

H.M.S. BELLONA ARRIVING NEXT SATURDAY PUBLIC MAY INSPECT SHIP ENTERTAIMENT OF COMPANY H.M.S. Bellona will visit Whitianga from Saturday, August 20, to Monday, August 22. Great interest in the warship’s visit is being taken at Whitianga. A great influx of visitors including many from Thames, is expected. Special functions will be arranged., Following a request to the naval officer in charge, Auckland, that the Bellona be made available for public inspection while in Mercury Bay, advice has' been received that the ship will be open to visitors on Sunday, August 21, from 1.30 p-m. The letter, which was written by Commander Seely for Captain Duckworth, who was absent on leave, said. “It is advised that Bellona expects to anchor at Mercury Bay about midday on Saturday, August 20, and remain until Monday, August 22. The ship will be open to visitors on Sunday, August 21, from 1.30 p.m. but it is regretted that ship’s boats will not be available to transfer visitors to and from the shore. It is advised that shore leave will be granted to the ship’s company and the commanding officer would welcome any games which could be arranged on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in which members of his ship’s company may participate.”

The visit of Bellona to Mercury Bay will give the residents of not only Mercury Bay but the whole of the Coromandel Peninsula the opportunity of inspecting a modern ship of war, and it will also give th 4 opportunity of extending hospitality to the officers and men on board. Tentative arrangements have been made for the week-end’s activities, which will be organised on the following lines: — On Saturday afternoon the ship’s Rugby teams will play at Whitianga in conjunction with the Grafton versus Mercury Bay game, and it may be possible to organise basketball games with the sailors. The tennis and golf clubs are being approached, and it may also be possible to arrange matches on Saturday or Sunday.' On Saturday evening a monster dance will be held to entertain the Bellona’s ship’s company, and it is hoped that the Bellona’s. Royal Marine Band will made available for this function.

Sunday: It is intended to organise a grand scale Kapa Maori (men only), and the ship will be open for visitors during the afternoon. Arrangements have been made with local boats to transport visitors to and from the Bellona, and it is hoped that all boat owners will co-operate in this respect, as it is anticipated that a large crowd of visitors will be coming from other parts of the peninsula for this occasion.

An earnest appeal to all residents of Mercury Bay is being made to lend their assistance in entertaining the visitors. This impending visit of the Bellona to Mercury Bay promises to be a great occasion.