JAPANESE ENTERTAINED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16279, 12 July 1916, Page 9

JAPANESE ENTERTAINED

EXCURSIONS IN THE CITY. TR/31S AND MOTOR-CARS. MEN ENJOY OUTING. Despite the fact that yesterday morning was marred by heavy rain, the officers and men of the Japanese squadron spent I a most enjoyable day in accordance with ! the programme of entertainment drawn jup for their benefit. At half-past six Rear-Admiral Matsumura, his staff, and j a number of cadets left for Rotorua by i special train, returning at 12.42 this morn- : ing. Tramway excursions to Onehunga had | been arranged for the men, the Boy ] Scouts to act as guides to the visitors, I and at half-past nine, notwithstanding the pouring rain, about 86 of the scouts, under the district commander, Mr. H. Stebbing, assembled at the foot of Queen Street. The prospects for a pleasant trip looked far from promising, but 500 men from the two ships assembled at the meeting place, were divided into squads of 50. with five scouts to each party, and boarded the cars placed at their disposal by the Auckland Electric Tramways Com-

pany. The scouts struck up an immediate and most cordial acquaintance with the visitors, and the trip to Onehunga was one of great interest to both the guides and their charges. The cars were met at their destination by the Mayor and town clt.'k of Onehunga, and a hearty welcome extended to the men. As "rain was still falling heavily, the party remained in the cars for a while, then returned to town, and were escorted to 5 the Town Hall, where refreshments had been provided by members of the Auckland \\ omens Patriotic League. The sailors showed great appreciation of the courtesv extended, and despite their lack of know", ledge of English, managed to express their pleasure plainly by smile and gesture. Before leaving for their ships again the men sang the Japanese National Anthem and gave hearty cheers for the ladies and their boy escorts. A feature of the morning's entertainment was the distribution of flowers, every man receiving a small bouquet. Afternoon's Enjoyment. The sam programme was followed in the afternoon, when another party of 300 sailors were escorted to Onehunga. The weather having improved the Japanese walked across Mangere Bridge, returning to the Town Hall about half-past four I o'clock for tea. The afternoon's entertain- i ment was even more interesting than that j of the morning, the Mayoress. Mrs. J. H. j Gunson. and the town clerk. Mr. H. Wil- j son. welcoming the men. Several organ ' solos were contributed by Mr. E. Rupert! Morton, the men evincing great interest! in the music. Before leaving the guests j were addressed by Mr. Wilson, whose re-I marks were interpreted by Mr. Kanco I Nishi. of the engineering staff of the flag- i ship Iwsfte. Mr. Wilson's speech was | listened to with keenest attention. The | Japanese National Anthem and a song for the prosperity of the city were sung by ; the visitors, and the afternoon concluded i with the sin-ring of the British National i Anthem and ringing cheers for the people : of Auckland and Their Majesties the King ; of Britain and Emperor of Japan and for the British Empire. I The officers of the Y.M.C.A. had made arrangements for the provision of a number of motor-cars, and over 120 men were I afforded pleasure by this means. All I points of interest in the city and suburbs • were visited, and the visitors were given | an opportunity of enjoying the unsurpassed view from the summit of One-tree Hill. They then returned to the city, and were served with refreshments hv the Auckland Women's Patriotic Association, at the Town Hall. Band in Albert Park. The band from the warships gave a first class selection of music in Albert Park last evening. Desp ; te the somewhatthreatening appearance of the weather, | at about half-past eight o'clock there were : fully 1000 people present. Each item was ! received with loud applaus". particular > appreciation being shown when a fantasia j on English a'rs was given. The entertain- ! ment concluded with the playing of the , British and Japanese National Anthems. ! after which Mr. H. W. Wilson thanked ; the band for the concert, and called for , cheers for the musicians. These were ; given with gusto, the members of the band replying with heartv cheers for the ' British. Dinner to the Admiral. A private dinner will be tendered to Rear-Admiral T. Matsumura, by the mem- | bers of the. Northern Club this evening. I Mr. J. H. Upton, president of the club. ' will preside. Three toasts — The King," : "The Emperor of Japan," and " Our j Guest"will 1 i' honoured. \ ) : !