H.M.S. RENOWN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18413, 20 May 1920, Page 4

H.M.S. RENOWN.

CHILDREN'S DAT. Country school children from AsH* burton, Sheffield, Oxford, Rangiora and other places, numbering between 3000 and 4000, visited Lyttelton yesterday morning, being conveyed in special trains, and going on board the Renown m batches. The sailors and members of the ship escorted small parties around tho ship,. explaining tho various guns and..workings tof different pieces of machinery. At about 11 a.m. one of the Aviation Company’s aeroplanes carno across the Port Hills and circled around tho Renown, much to the delight of tho children, many of whom had never before seen an aeroplane in actual flight. During the afternoon about 12,000 Christchurch and district school children visited the vessel. They were marshalled four' abreast and observed good discipline. It was not until 4-30. however, that the last school was able to send its children on board. The young people were well satisfied wdth the many wonderful things they saw, and their smiling faces indicated that they had had a most interesting and happy day, and one that will long bo reuiembered by them. The ordinary train service between 8.40 a.m. and 5 p.m was suspended, and during that period about twenty-five special trains raa. between Christchurch and Lyttelton- The country children returned home by special trains in the evening. BAND CONCERT. ,An enormous crowd assembled in Latimer Square yesterday afternoon, when the band from H.M.S. Renown, under Band-Sergeant Baker, gave a delightful concert in bright sunny weatfler. The band, thirty-seven strong, in their red and gold uniforms, played on the Royal platform, and reoeived very hearty applause. Afterwards the bandsmen had afternoon tea with the Mayor and Mayoress at their residence. The programme was as follows:—Overture, “Raymond” (Thomas); selections from “Faust” arranged by Winterbottom, and old naval bandmaster; waltz “Wyoming” (Gene Williams)j “ Warblers Serenade” (Pierry); Naval patrol “Britain’s First Line” (by Dr Williams, bandmaster of the Grenadier Guards;: selections from Squire’s Songs: humoresque “Three Blind Mice” (Lotter) and “ God Save the King.”

EXCURSION TO ARTHUR’S PASS. About 300 men left Christchurch at 8.10 a.m. yesterday by spectal train for an excursion to Arthur’s Pass, arranged by the Reception Committee. Tho day wa9 fine, and the men enjoyed themselves keenly, and were greatly struck with the mountain scenery, especially in the snort-covered alps region. After a pleasant run the men detrained at Arthur’s Pass about noon, and luncheon, provided by tho Christchurch Reception Committee, was served on the railway station. Afterwards two large parties of men, by the courtesy of Mr J. B. Cowing, engineer at the Bealey end, made trips into the tunnel for about two miles. After a couple of hours in which they were able to stretch their legs and look around the tunnel works, tho men joined the train and returned to Christchurch at 5.30 p.m. They went to the Y.M.C.A. for a wash and brush up, and then had tea at tho barracks. They were all very grateful for the outing. The men were under Lieutenant Noakes and CommissionedGunner Newmarch.

LAST NIGHT’S ENTERTAINMENTS. The warrant officers of H.M.S. Renown were the guests of the Navy League last night at the Navy League Hall, and another very enjoyable evening was spent with dancing, interspersed with one or two good musical items The scene in tho ballroom was very bright, the officers wearing their miniature decorations. There was comfortable dancing space, and a dainty supper added to the enjoyment. The members of tho general committee of the league were present, as well as members of the ladies’ auxiliary. At King Edward Barracks the Harbour Lights Girls’ Club was associated with the ladies’ guilds of the British and Foreign Sailors’ Society in providing tea and supper for the men- The City, Sumner and Opawa Guilds were represented, and there was no lack of iiel- - pers, although over 300 men came in to tea.' The dancing afterwards was most enjoyable, and it seems to be the general opinion that a better dancing floor could not have been laid. Members of the C.D.C. have provided doorkeepers and other necessary officials at the Barracks throughout the week, eight or ten members being present each night. Their services have been greatly appreciated by the Reception Committee, and the lady helpers. TO-DAY’S MOTOR RUN. Great preparations have been mada at Little River for the entertainment of the men who will arrive there today in the motor run provided.by the Canterbury Automobile Association. The Wairewa and Akaroa County Councils will entertain the men, and there will be races of all descriptions fot prizes aggregating £25. The Automobile Association is appealing for more cars to take the men out, and it >s hoped to make the run even more successful than Tuesday’s fixture. On Tuesday the run to Motukarara was given jointly by the Pioneer Club and the Automobile Association, and the Pioneer Club provided the greater part of the events.

NOTES. V

A party of about thirty Maoris from Rapaki and Port Levy visited the Renown by special invitation yesterdaj morning. ' The Ashburton branch of the British and Foreign Seamen’s Society has forwarded the sum of £2O to Mr Booth, superintendent of the Lyttelton Seamen’s Institute, to help entertain the crew of 11.M.S- Renown. Tho water polo match against, sailors from H.M.S. Renown will be played at the Tepid Bath at five o’clock this evening. ■ , „ The Navy League will tender a ball to tlio men of the Renown at the Sing Edward Barracks to-night. All men of tto vessel are invited to high tea at “~:f "Barracks from 5.30 o’clock to 6.30 o'clock. Dancing will commence at 7.3” o’clock.