FRENCH SLOOP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22434, 2 June 1936, Page 10

FRENCH SLOOP

SAILING TO-MORROW RECEPTION ON BOARD x DECKS IN GALA ARRAY The French war sloop, Savorfjnan de Brazza, which has been at Auckland for a week, will sail at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning for Wellington, where she will remain for three or four days. She will then visit Papeete.

A busy day on board and ashore was spent yesterday. Preparations for Commander L. Roberts' reception in the afternoon occupied members of the ship's company practically until the function began. Decks wero swabbed, fittings were polished, and tho after deck was draped with bunting and canvas, which served tho dual purpose of decorations and shelter from a keen breeze. Work was cheerfully accomplished to the strains of French recordings, broadcast through a radio-gramo-phone. Made doubly intriguing to tho visitors because of conversational difficulties, tho "at homo" was a successful and happy ono, thoroughly appreciated by tho guests, who numbered about eighty. They wore received by tho commander and M. Edouard Joubort, tho French consul, and included Commanders L. K. C. Bevir and J. 15. E. Hall, H.N., and other New Zealand naval representatives, Commander C. H. T. Palmer, president of tho Navy League; Squadron-leader L. M. Lsitt, officer commanding the Hobsonville air base; Mr. .1. S. Brigham, town clerk; General Sir George Richardson; Mr. W. F. Boyle, consul for the United States; Mr. J. T. F. Mitchell, viceconsul for Sweden; and Mr. C. G. Macindoo, chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board. The commander and officers wore entertained at luncheon yesterday by tho president of tho Navy League, Commander Palmer.

Commander Robert, accompanied by M. Joubert, Sir George Richardson and the deputy-Mayor, the Hon. B. Martin, M.L C., visited the Seamen's Institute and the Flying Angel Missions to Seamen where the visiting sailors were being entertained. The commander conveyed his thanks for the interest taken in the men's welfare. A number of guests dined on board with the commander last evening. There arc no engagements for to-day. The crew will be engaged with sailing preparations.