JAPANESE SQUADRON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20024, 14 August 1928, Page 11

JAPANESE SQUADRON.

SHIPS ARRIVE AT SUVA,

RECEPTION TO VISITORS.

GUESTS OF THE GOVERNOR. [from our own correspondent.] SUVA, Aug. 10. The Japanese Training Squadron arrived in Suva Harbour from Auckland at eight o'clock yesterday morning. H.M. Sloop Veronica was in port so that full naval formalities were observed. Both vessels commenced coaling immediately on arrival, the Idzumo alongside the King's Wharf and the Yakumo at a hulk in the stream. At 10 o'clock ViceAdmiral Kobayashi landed to call on the Governor. The scene was one which could only be staged in a tropical country. He was met by the Colonial Secretary, Mr. A. W. Seymour, V.D.; the Commandant, Colonel Gamble; the Mayor of Suva, Councillor Henry Marks, C.8.E.; the town clerk, Mr. S. G. Davey; and the Governor's A.D.C., Captain Symons, M.C.

Decorations were worn. Most of the party were in white. The Mayor wore his civic robes. The colonel and the officers of the Fiji Constabulary were in blue uniforms, while the Guard of Honour was composed of woolly-headed Fijians, in blue tunics, spotlessly white sulus and, of course, barefooted. The Fijian band (native) was in khaki. The effect was brilliant and would have been even more wonderful had Fiji's usual sunshine been in evidence. UoSortunately the day was overcast with showers at times.

Official calis were made and returned. In the afternoon a civic reception was tendered the vice-admiral and officers of the squadron by the Mayor, i Replying to the address of welcome Vice-Admiral Kobayashi said that Japan had been very glad to join the side of the Allies Ln the Great War. Japan always stood for justice and for the good of humanity. She had simply done her duty. He was very grateful for the kind things which had been said of his country and of himself and his officers. He assured them that when duty called again they would a2l do their best.

The reception, which was attended by the Governor, was one of the most representative gatherings seen in Fiji for some time.

Later Vice-Admiral Kobayashi, attended by many of his officers, laid a wreath under the tablet in the War Memorial Hospital erected to the memory of the men from Fiji who fell during the Great War.

Yesterday Prince Takamatsu did not come ashore but to-day he will tour thg island, anil in the evening will be the guest of the Governor at dinner. The vice-admiral and a number of officers will also be present.