MEN-O-WARSMEN'S PLIGHT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18711, 17 May 1924, Page 8

MEN-O-WARSMEN'S PLIGHT.

STRANDED IN THE CITY.

UNABLE TO REACH SHIPS.

An extraordinary position arose last night as the result of the failure of some hundreds of men to return to the Repulse and the light cruisers anchored in the stream. Owing to the storm which suddenly arose it was found impossible to convey such a large number of men in the pinnaces, and practically all those who had obtained shore leave during the evening were unable to get back to their ships The Y.M.C.A. authorities, who had accommodation for 600 men jointly at the Drill Hall and Y.M.C.A* Club, found themselves besieged late \in the evening by hundreds of men anxiou&to obtain beds Instead of 600, approximately 1000 men sought accommodation,. and\the officials had an extremely heavy task before them. Sleeping room was found for everyone in the end, though the men underwent great inconvenience, and even at 1 a.m. groups of men drifted in after vainly awaiting the pinnaces at the launch steps. The; spectacle at the Y.M.C.A. was a unique one. At midnight men lay stretched on tables, chairs, and under tables, and on the floor; in the read-ing-room and on the seats by the swimming . pool, in . the gymnasium, and in the concert hall. Several men had even found the window sills better than no bed at all. The scene was amusing in many ways. In spite of their uncomfortable , attitudes., all were sound asleep. Even a man who had fallen off a window sill at- 12.30 a.m. had remained where he fell, still sound in the deep slumber of a child.

Each man was served wil'h refreshments and a cap of tea before retiring, and everyone appeared happy and uncomplaining. The president of the Y.M.C.A., Mr. C. J. Tunks, spoke to the men during the evening and congratulated them on their behaviour.

GALE AT TE AROHA.

ELECTRIC POWER AFFECTED. [by TELEGRAM. — correspondent.] TE AROHA. Friday. Light showers commenced to fall over the Te Aroha district this morning. Occasionally strong gusts of wind accompanied the downpour, gradually growing in force. By this evening the storm had developed into a strong south-easterly gale, which periodically caused the electric power to fail for short intervals.