NAVAL OFFICERS' TOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21076, 9 January 1932, Page 10

NAVAL OFFICERS' TOUR.

NORTH AUCKLAND DISTRICT. MOTOR DRIVE OF 200 MILES. [FRO 11 OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WHANGAREI. Friday. "A wonderful day amid marvellous scenes," was the expression of members at tho conclusion of a tour made yesterday by a parfrr, including the commander and officers of H.M.S. Labivnum, which ship has remained at Whangarei over the Christmas and New Year holidays, before leaving to-day for Auckland. The tonr was arranged by the Mayor of Whangarei, Mr. W. Jones, for the benefit of the officers of the Laburnum. The party left Whangarei at 8.30 a.m. in seven motor-cars, the first stop being at Dargaville, where morning tea was provided by the Dargaville Borough Council. Some of the party then journeyed to Kaihu, by way of the Soldiers' Settlement, at Waihue, while the remainder went by the old road, via Babylon. A short stop was made at Kaihu to view Mr. A. V. Docherty's splendid collection of kauri gum and sporting trophies. The next stop was at tho Trounson Kauri Park, where the wonderful kauri trees wero the admiration of the visitors. From there tho party journeyed to the Waipona Stream, in the centre of the Waipoua State Forest, were lunch was served. An exhibition of tree climbing was given by Mr. J. Boyce, a native, who, with great agility, climbed a kauri tree 60ft. high. Before leaving this locality Commander Ramsbotham expressed the greatest pleasure of the party at the hospitality provided. The Dargaville representatives then returned home and tho remainder of the party proceeded through the forest. _ A short halt was made to view tho giant kauri. The party then proceeded to Opononi where tho splendid beach and harbour were much admired. Rawerie was next visited, and Kaikohe was reached about 7.30 p.m. Some of the party returned to Whangarei via the Mangakahia Gorge, while others returned via Ohaeawai and Kawakawa, reaching Whangarei about 10 p.m. The tour covered a distance of 200 miles.