VISITING WARSHIPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22117, 24 May 1935, Page 13

VISITING WARSHIPS

SQUADRON LEAVES TO-DAY

farewell functions GUESTS OF THE, ADMIRAL After three days in port, the warships of the Japanese training squadron, the Asa 111 a and the Yakiuno, will leave' for Suva at nine o'clock this morning in continuation of their Pacific cruise All At Home was held in the Asama yesterday and the vessel presented a gay scene with bunting and coloured lanterns. The public again showed keen intereist in the Yakumo, which was thronged with visitors. There was a large attendance at the At Home and the guests were shown over the warship by midshipmen-. The ship was specially decorated, and a model of a Japanese house and models of Japanese shrines and temples attracted much interest. A programme of Japanese games was later given in a shed on Prince's Wharf. Sailors at Play

The first exhibition was of kendo, or Japanese fencing, which rather resembles the English quarter-staff style. The principles of the game were explained to the onlookers by an officer. The contestants are clad in padded clothing, with face-guards, gauntlets and a leather cowl to protect the head and throat. Another fascinating exhibition was that of judo, or jiu-jitsu, and remarkable skill and si>eed were displayed. Before and after each bout the contestants bowed to Rear-Admiral K. Nakamura and to Commodore the Hon. E. R. Drummond, Officer Commanding the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. The programme concluded with a demonstration of smo, a style of wrestling. Afternoon tea was later served on the flagship. Although most of the food was the same as that on a European vessel, various Japanese sweetmeats and sake, a Japanese wine, were provided. Guests at Dinner In the evening an official dinner was held on the flagship. The guests included:—Sir Alexander Young, representing the Government, Commodore the Hon. E. 11. Drummond, Colonel J. E. Duigan, Officer Commanding the Northern Command, Captain A. G. W. Heber-Percy, militaiy A.D.C. to the Governor-General, the Hon. J. Alexander, M.L.C., president of the Navy League, Captain Cosmo Graham, of H.M.S. Diomede, Captain Oliver Bevir, of H.M.S. Leitli, Commander J. B. E. Hall, of H.M.S. Wellington, Commander B. C. B. Brooke, of H.M.S. Philomel, Paymaster Lieutenant-Commander J. K. Heighten, secretary to the Commodore, Mr. J. L. Coakley, representing the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, chairman of the Transport Board, Mr. W. F. Boyle, American Consul, and Mr. F. B Dwyer.