THE FRENCH CRUISER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20324, 3 August 1929, Page 14

THE FRENCH CRUISER.

SHIP OPEN TO PUBLIC.

ROUND OF ENTERTAINMENTS

SAILING ON TUESDAY EVENING

Over three thousand people inspected the French cruiser Tourville yesterday afternoon whon the ship was'thrown open to the public for the first time. At L3O, when the Central Wharf gates were opened, a queue extended along Quay Street, and over 500 people were admitted in the first quarter of an "hour, many taking advantage of the later lunch hour to "do" the ship. During the first lush admission was carefully regulated by Harbour Board officials, and after that a steady stream of visitors followed throughout the afternoon. The Tourville will he open for inspection again this afternoon and to-morrow afternoon, from 1.30 until 4.30.

Yesterday morning Captain Abrial and eight officers, accompanied by Mr. D. Ardell, of (ho Internal Affairs Department, left by car for Wairakei, lunching en route at Hamilton. They will attend a Maori welcome at Rotorua this evening and will return to Auckland tomorrow. During Captain Abrial's absence, the second in command, Commander J. H. P. do Bronac de Vazelhes, is in charge of the Tourville.

Parties of the officers and the men were taken for motor trips again yesterday afternoon in cars provided by members of the Auckland Automobile Association, while 100 men were entertained at a picture matinee as guests of the Missions to Seamen Institute.

This evening two baskeibal! teams from Iho Tourville will play in matches at the Y.M.C.A., while there will be dancing for the visitors at the Click Clack, the Moulin Rouge and at Takapuna.

The Auckland branch of the League of Nations Union 'will entertain a party of officers from the Tourville on Monday morning. The party will be taken for a motor tour in the city and suburbs, concluding with morning tea at the Mount Eden Kiosk.

Owing to the fact that Lieutenant Bellando, the flying officer, will not be completely recovered before the ship sails, it, is unlikely that Auckland will see the Tourvillc's nir planes in flight. The ship will leave Auckland for Wellington on Tuesday evening at 6 o'clock, immediately after "the reception on board, which will" be held from 2 o'clock until 5. It was originally intended to sail on Wednesday morning, but the earlier departure is made necessary by the fact that a Vice-Regal reception will be held in Wellington on Thursday. The cruiser will refuel at Wellington prior to her departure for Brisbane. The officers and men of the visiting cruiser will attend church parade at St. Patrick's Cathedral to-morrow at 9 a.m. Bishop Clearv will preside, assisted by Father B. J." Gondringer.