SQUADRONS VISIT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18710, 16 May 1924, Page 10

SQUADRONS VISIT.

END DRAWS NEAR.

FLEET SAILS TO-MORROW.

NAVAL ■■: MEN AS HOSTS.

REPULSE'S TURN TO-DAY.

SEARCHLIGHTS AT NIGHT.

. The departure from Auckland of the Special Service Squadron is due to-mor-row. All too quickly the days have flown since the fighting ships steamed into port, and during their sojourn the keen interest of Aucklanders, alike in the shins and their companies, has been consistently sustained.

There was a gay scene on the Hood yesterday afternoon when the-petty officers and men entertained their friends. As was only to be expected members of the fair sex predominated. One and all had a memorable afternoon. For the little ones the Repulse was the main attraction yesterday. About 1000 children were taken out to the vessel and there entertained at a children's party, which included tea on the forecastle deck. The ship's officers saw to it that their little visitors had a right royal time, Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick L. Field paid a visit to Devonport yesterday morning, and, with Commodore inspected the dockyard and H.M.S. Philomel, afterwards lunching on H.M.S. Chatham. Last evening's events comprised dinner oil board the Chatham to admirals and officers and the Victoria and Navy League ball at the Town Hall. The latter function •was very largely attended, and was a conspicuous success. A party of 18 officers * and 250 men left early in the morning for Eotorua, and were warmly welcomed by the Maoris on their arrival.

The sports programme was a full one. including shooting, football, and golf. A Rugby team from the light cruisers played the City Council second grade team at the Domain." A Leagae football match between the Repulse and a local team was nlayed at Victoria Park. ~ . " To-day the ship's company of the Repulse will be "At Home" to their friends. Ferry steamers and launches will be employed for the transit of the visitors tc and from the battleship. The last opportunity for school childrf.r to view the Hood comes this morning iron 10 a.rn. to noon. The Hood will be op« to the public from 1.30 to 5 p.m. # A magnificent spectacle is promised bj the searchlight display this evening, com mencmg at nine o'clock. For officers the chief event to-day is the dinner on boarc the Hood. . ' ~, The departure of the squadron will according- to latest: plans, take place tomorrow between 3.30 and 4 -11" light cruiser 3, with the exception of th( Dunedin, will get under weigh at 3.3 C p.m., and will be followed by the battle ships Repulse and Hood, the last men tiohed being timed to leave the wharf al 4 p.m. They will take up their steaming positions after getting clear of- the har bour

The vessels will anchor in the Bay of Islands on Sunday morning, remaining there until noon. « The squadron is due at Fiji at 1.30 p.m. on Wednesday next. ,

* r AT HOME" ON THE HOOD.

BLUEJADkETS AND FRIENDS.

DANCING ON ; THE DECK.

With the gay red ! and White striped ceremonial awning spread over her vast quarter-deck, the Hood presented a gala' appearance yesterday afternoon, the occasion being the ■• ship's company's "At Home." About 3000 guests, mostly of ' the fair sex, were on board, and the whole scene was, one of sparkling animation. By about 2 p.m. petty officers and seamen were -at ) the wharf gates to meet : their, . friends, 5 : • and at 2.50 dancing began L. to the lilting strains of the ship's band. Dance followed dance jin rapid succession «tud the visitors were delighted with the dancing surface, the smooth teak deck being in excellent condition. Tea was served in the men's messes at ' 4 p.m. and below decks an admirable scheme of decoration had been . given effect to. The arrangements "of the day were handled by the special entertainment committee, and, as master- of ceremonial,- Mr.- E. W. Baker fulfilled his task with marked skill. He was assisted by Mr. Dyer, one of.the Hood's seamen. The . dance programme bore a , most artistic pen and ink drawing of the Hood, and to link up',memories of a by-gone age, in the cloud of smoke issuing from her funnel -was,; faintly depicted a fleet of old " wooden walls " under full sail.

NAVY MEN IN ; ROTORUA.

, SECOND DRAFT ARRIVES.

-ANOTHER WARM WELCOME.

[by .telegbai-h.- -own : co-respondent KOTOEUA. Thursday.

A draft of officem and men of the Special Service Squadron, under Captain Parker, arrived in Eotorua on schedule time to-day, and were received by the Mayor- and members .of . #ie Borough Council The party was conveyed in motors to their, quarters. . After luncheon the visitors were transported to Ohinem'utu, where great provision had been made for their reception by the natives. - Speeches of welcome were given, and & number of gifts were bestowed on Captain Parker. Poi dances and hakas were performed with tremendous vigour and aroused great,enthusiasm among the visitors. .' -~; ';- ■■,■; ,-. /■, ~ :.'•..•: , ' Captain Parker, in returning < thanks, Stressed the pleasure they had in meeting the Maori race, who were fighters fend seamen, possibly the first navigators, and certainly* the first voyagers, in the Pacific. •'."- '"'"'■ ■';■ ■'■'" After (introductions; the (officers and men were escorted round the pa and shown places of interest. "An entertainment is being given in the King's Theatre to-night, and a reception will be held ati Whakarewerewa* to-morrow. . The weather Is perfect. .

MAKING NIGHT DAY.

SEARCHLIGHTS OF FLEET.

TO-NIGHT'S GREAT SPECTACLE.

The visiting ships of war, when giving v, their searchlight display from 9to 9.30 - this evening will ; not 'act; on a pre- • arranged plan, but each ship will handle . Its lights independently. Th P eearchughts which are manipulated by men in th« ... brpedo department, are of the latest ,Ad toirally type, and, are similar / in 'all ■.- ships. It has .been arranged that J 925 .■ . lithe :vessels will: show xed> b eE T\r I short time to enable the riot* % e °g JPge then', pictures. • **«• " iJBIIIL- '