Northlanders Inspect Liner, Visit Beach

Northern Advocate, 25 January 1940, Page 6

Northlanders Inspect Liner, Visit Beach

((Special from Ktipe.) WELLINGTON. This*Day. . THE YOUNG NORTHLAND PARTY IN WELLINGTON ENJOYED A DAY AT THE BEACH. YESTERDAY. Prior to leaving, they were shown over a large overseas liner belonging to the Union Company. The Wellington Harbohr Board and the Union Steamship Com pany waived regulation? specially for the party. * Stewards cheerfully conducted the children to the most interesting parts of the ship, including the bridge and chart room. It was the"largest, vessel most of the children had ever seen. “'Think I’d like to be a sailor.” one said. The automatic steering gear intrigued them. Trams were provided earlier than usual after breakfast, whieh the children helped to prepare. Even the boys’ team rallied round. •The interest in war precautions at sea shown by the children amazed the guides.

Interesting Trip. The harbour trip to Day’s Bay was most interesting. There was no sea sickness. Swimming was held under the supervision of the Maranui Surf LifeSaving Club and the members present were a junior team from Rongotcii C'ollg§g. The children bathed in batches and were checked as they entered and left the water. They returned from the beach at 4 p.m. and the main party returned to the hostel to listen in to 2ZB. where a special broadcast team performed under the direction of Miss Joan Hodsell, a Maunu teacher.

Introducing the concert party, Mr Brian O’Brien paid a tribute to the “Northern Advocate” and the “Dominion” for the effort, in taking the party of 664 to Wellington. Broadcast Programme. Included in the programme were hakas, Maori songs and other items, including a special Northland song. Robbie Marehant, the Mangonui winner of £5 at the Exhibition, said he had handed the note to “Kupe” to keep for Mum, but he borrowed 6d from “Kupe” on the strength of it. Ivy Jenkins, Matapouri, told how her school worked to take every child on the trip. Another boy, George Roberts, from Te Hapua, the most northerly school in the Dominion, answered questions put by the chairman of the Bay of Islands Maori Council (Mr Sam Maioha). Fun Tonight. This morning the party visited several factories and will go to the Exhibition again this afternoon They will stay on during the evening to see the lighting and have thrills at Playland. During the children's hour a small party will broadcast, from the 2YA Exhibition Station.