NAVY MEN IN ROTORUA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18709, 15 May 1924, Page 8

NAVY MEN IN ROTORUA

VISIT PAID TO WHAKAi

MAORI ENTERTAINMENTS.

ADMIRAL PRAISES DANCES

[BT TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

\ EOTOEUA. Wednesday. At 9 o'clock this morning the Touhourangi tribe of the Arawas entertained Rear-Admiral Brand- and the officers and men of the Special Service Squadron at Whakarewarewa. The weather was fine but cold, and a keen wind swept the marae. The pa was decorated in greenery and a fine display of bunting flew from the new carved flagpole* at the meeting house." "

The Navy, as ever, was on time. Chief Guide A, Warbrick acted as master of ceremonies. Meeting the guests on the bridge over the Paerenga Stream, the usual powhiri, dance, and hakas in welcome were given with spirit. The Touhourangi were drawn «p in front of tho meeting house, and a tremendous burst of greeting announced the arrival of tho admiral and his men. Mita Toupopoki, gorgeously arrayed, on behalf of the tribe, welcomed the guests. The speaker drew an analogy between Maui, who drew New Zealand up out of the deep, and the British naval might. Man's power did not extend like that of the Hood beyond his reach to destroy, but the battleship could destroy all things on the water, under the water, and that which flies in the air. To-day, he concluded, Admiral Brand beheld the remnants of a once great tribe. Hakas and vivid poi dances followed the chief's speech, and these were enthusiastically applauded. The Hon. C. J. Parr conveyed greetings to the Touhourangi tribe. Admiral Brand wag received with loud cries and shouts on rising to reply. He thanked the tribe for their great welcome. He and his officers and men were grateful for one of the most beautiful dances they had ever seen, and one by which they would always remember the Arawa tribe. He praised their loyalty and only grieved, that he could not take them all back to England. The chiefs and members of the tribe were then Introduced and greeted. Much amusement was caused by the adoption by some of the hongi (nose pressing), and it was noticed that with the younger and prettier girls, the naval men had only an elementary knowledge of the position of the nose on the human face —they persistently disregarded elevation. - . The formal ceremony being over, the officers and men were escorted over the thermal sights by hosts of willing guides. At the King's Theatre last night the Maoris gave a magnificent native display of songs and dancing. The guests were wildly enthusiastic, tremendous applause greeting every item, shaking the hall to its foundation. Mr. Tai Mitchell welcomed the visitors, and Admiral Brand replied, saying that he never remembered having enjoyed a performance so much as the unique one ho had just witnessed. His call for three cheers for the entertainers received a, tremendous response from the Navy.

GOOD TIME AT HAMILTON.

STATE FARM VISITED.

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL MATCH.

[BY telegraph.—-own CORRESPONDENT.]

HAMILTON. Wednesday.

About 250 petty officers and men of the Special Service Squadron visited Hamilton to-day. The weather was fine and the visitors -were given a cordial reception. Motor-car owners responded generously to. the request for the use of cars for the day, some 80 being forthcoming. The procession of cars divided into three sections, one lot proceeding to the Ruakura State Farm and afterwards by Matangi to Cambridge, returning to Hamilton by the main road. The second party went direct to Cambridge and returned via Matangi and Ruakura. The third motored out to the golf links, over Forest Lake Road to Frankton, and on through the Lake reserve to Hamilton East and the Ruakura Farm.

Several of the men were struck by a similarity between Hamilton and Cambridge and English towns they knew. After luncheon at the Alexandra Hall the men marched in column of route along Victoria Street, headed by the City Band. They were dismissed in Ward Street and given invitations to visit places of entertainment. .Many attended the Association football match between a naval eleven and the South Auckland representatives. The visitors won by 5 goals to 4. An excellent exposition of the game was given. The attendanco totaLed 3000, easily a record for an Association football match in Hamilton.

BRIEF CALL AT SAMOA,

SHOWING THE SHIPS AT APIA,

DIVERSION FROM FIRST PLAN

Provisional arrangements have been made for the squadron to call at Apia, Samoa, on "the voyage from Suva to Honolulu. According to the original programme, the squadron would have steamed direct from Fiji to Hawaii, but Sir Frederick Field has complied with a request that he would give the people of Samoa an opportunity to see the ships. This involves a slight diversion from the course originally planned, the distance from Suva to Apia being about' 600 miles.The present intention is that the squadron will ' pass Apia ,at slow spe*sH close inshore, but will not anchor. Probably as has been done in similar circumstances elsewhere;, the squadron will : carry out a few evolutions -to show the ships in various aspects.

SEARCHLIGHTS IN ACTION.

GREAT NIGHT DISPLAY,

Twenty-four searchlight? will bo in action during the display by the fleet between 9 and 9.30 to-morrow evening. The whole will make a matchless spectacle, representing 4,608,000,000 candle-power. It will be " a light such as never was on sea or land," making the skies bright us day, not only in Auckland', but for many miles inland. People on distant farms and in lonely settlements will on this occasion be almost as privileged as those in Auckland.

Of the 24 white beams, each of 192,000,000 candle-power, which will search the heavens and horizon, six each will go up from the Hood and Repulse, and two each from the six light cruisers. It is' possible, also, that the eight signalling searchlights divided between 'the battle cruisers will be included in the display. '■"'■■■'■'.'

THE EMPIRE BALL.

MANY GUESTS EXPECTED.

What promises to be one of the most notable, functions'-in connection with the fleet festivities is tho Empire ball, to be given in the Town Hall to-night. It is anticipated that over 2000 guests wilt sit down to supper during the evening, and special arrangements have been made, and are announced elsewhere, to deal with the throng of dancers. The scene should he a brilliant one, and the ball gives promise of proving one- of ! the most -'enjoyable gatherings of the kind yet held, in jAuck- , land, :,,< ■"',.,-■'•'■ :.^.(i4Kv--5;'.,.:^: