VISIT TO FAR NORTH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18706, 12 May 1924, Page 11

VISIT TO FAR NORTH

CALL AT- BAY OF ISLAN STAY OF SEVERAL HOURS. ARRANGEMENTS ; FOR - CHILDREN. : The Minister ; for Marine, i the . Hon. G. J. # Anderson, at the request of the Prime Minister, ■ has made arrangements i for the Government steamer Tutanekai to proceed to the Bay of Islands and assist in trans- ' porting -children : from ' the settlements there to ■ the ships ', of s the Special Service Squadron next week. The 'Hood and other war vessels will ' call % in. at the Bay of Islands next Sunday for five or six hours. Many telegrams have * been received by Mr. M'assey from ;*■ representative men in East Coast • towns ' thanking ' him - most cordially for having done so much in securing brief visits of • ";. the - squadron .to GisbOrne and Wairoa, and also the. magnificent searchlight display off the coast on Friday night. Each message, which asks the Prime Minister to; convey the thanks of the people to Vice-Admiral' Sir Frederick Feild and , his officers, refers to the delight and gratitude >of the children. ' <■ HOSPITALITY OP Y.M.C.A. ENTERTAINING THE MEN. The visiting sailors , are ■ making : full use of the hospitality , offered by , the Y.M.C.A.. The billiard room, which has been thrown open to the men, has-been very popular, and ping pong, though not quite as popular as billiards, has also been much enjoyed. Many of the men are fond of quiet reading, and the special lounge and reading room provided for them has been in constant use. The inquiry bureau has been popular, and on Saturday •night, there..was. a great demand for 'information regarding dances. Without question this form of. amusement is the most popular with the sailors. The sleeping accommodation ' provided at the Drill Hall and at the Y.M.C.A., though not 'taxed to the limit, was well patronised, 390 beds being .occupied. Yesterday afternoon the demand for refreshments between 4.30 and "7.30 ; wis exceedingly heavy, and although the number of lady volunteers had been increased it was all they could do to ■ cope wirh the rush. The sailors speak very hig'iiy of the treatment received on all sides throughout the Dominion, but. add that the Auckland welcome is the warmest yet received. -, "■''•■' ■ . j