PUBLIC SCHOOL BOYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20988, 26 September 1931, Page 10

PUBLIC SCHOOL BOYS.

ENGLISH PARTY'S TOUR.

BRIEF VISIT TO AUCKLAND.

MOTOR DRIVE ROUND CITY.

That Auckland \vas indeed a wonderful city when viewed from One Tree Hill, was tho opinion expressed by the party of English public school boys who werfetaken for a drive round tho city after their arrival on the limited express yesterday morning. "What is particularly striking," said one of the party, "is the picturesque effect lent by the red roofs of the houses contrasted against the natural green. It is so different from the view of an English city." The party, which numbered 21, arrived at Wellington on Wednesday by the Corinthic from Southampton. After being entertained in Wellington they left on Thursday afternoon for Palmerston North, where they were conducted round Massey Agricultural College and the farm lands connected with tho establishment. Much interest was displayed by the lads in tho livestock and other features of the college. On Thursday night they joined the limited express for Auckland. Welcome in Auckland. Upon their arrival yesterday mort/ing they wcro welcomed by Mr. H. S. W. King, of tho Auckland Education Board, Mr. H. T. Goldio, president, and members of the Auckland Rotary Club, and members of tho New Zealand Association of British Public School Boys. The lads, who are between tho ages of 17 and 19, were recommended by their respective headmasters to represent their school on 11 io tour. Among the schools represented aro Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Marlborough and Charterhouse. Mr. J. W. Parr, a master of Winchester, who is in charge of the party, said that unfortunately tho Corinthic arrived at Wellington late, for it was intended originally to motor through tho North Island to Auckland and call at various places, including Rotorua, on the way. They Vero disappointed lliat they had not been ablo to follow that programme, for they were all keen to ses as much of New Zealand as they possibly could. Tour Through Australia.

Their real destination was Australia, where they would spend two months on an educational tour before leaving on their return to England. Two years ago a larger party of English public school boys visited Now Zealand, and they were so hospitably entertained that it was decided, on this occasion, to avoid any suggestion of imposing upon hospitality and just pass through quietly. Shortly after 11 a.m. tho party left the city in six motor-cars, provided by members of tho Rotary Club and friends, and were given a glimpse of the outskirts of Auckland. Tho route taken was along ■the Waterfront Road to Kohimarama, through St. lleliers Bay Road and thence to the Ellerslie Racecourse, One Tree Hill and back to tho city, with a call at the War Memorial Museum bn the way.

Ascent ol One Tree Hill. Many of the boys carried cameras and made full uso of them. They were taken into the stand at the racecourse and also shown the outside of the totalisator, the working of which was explained to them. At Ono Tree Hill the latter part of tho ascent was made on foot, and all were agreed that tho view obtained was wonderful. "It is remarkable," was the opinion freely voiced, "and all so picturesque." At the War Memorial Museum the distinctive features artd exhibits were explained by Mr. R. A. Falla, who made a special point of dealing with the New Zealand exhibits, such as native bird life and Maori arts and crafts. Keen, interest was displayed by the visitors in tho large Maori canoo and meeting house. The architecture of the building and tho Cenotaph and Court of Honour particularly impressed the boys. Tho party returned to the city at 1.30 p.m., and after lunch at the Hotel Auckland went aboard the Maunganui, which sailed at 3.15 p.m. for Sydney. While in Australia tho boys will visit every State and will be the guests in country districts of station owners and run-holders. In tho cities they will be billeted in private houses. The itinerary mapped out will bring them into close association with tho life and industries of the country. They will sail from Fremantle on December 4, and travel home, via Colombo, Port Said and Malta.