TRAINING SHIP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22608, 22 December 1936, Page 11

TRAINING SHIP

UNITED STATES "VESSEL

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND

FORTNIGHT'S STAY IN PORT

An arrival in port late last night was the American training ship California State, which is making a call of a fortnight at Auckland in the course of a Pacific cruise. Owned and maintained by the State of California, the vessel has her headquarters at San Francisco and is used for training young men to become deck an engineer offices in the American mercantile marine. She is of 4500 tons, has a speed of nine knots and can accommodate ].'J2 cadets. Full equipment for instruction in navigation, seamanship and marine engineering is provided on hoard.

On her present cruise the California State has made calls at Honolulu and Papeete. She was originally expected at Auckland on Sunday, and according to her programme she will remain until January 4, leaving then for Melbourne and Sydney and calling at Suva for three days early in February on the voyage back to San Francisco. While in port here she will not berth, but will remain at anchor in the stream. Lieutenant-Commander R. C. Dymer and five of his officers will be the guests of the Government on a trip to Rotorua, Wairakei and Taupo, leaving on December 29 and returning on January 1. They will be accompanied by Mr. C. A. Furlong, of the Department of Internal Affairs. An informal dance for the cadets was to have been held by the Mercantile Auxiliary Club in the Overseas Club rooms to-night, but owing to the vessel's late arrival some alteration may be necessary. It is probable that further entertainment will be arranged by the Missions to Seamen and other organisations. A large New Zealand mail addressed to cadets and others has been received by the United States Consul, Mr. Walter F. Boyle, and from this it is inferred that many of those on board have introductions to residents of Auckland, and a prospect of much private hospitality during their stay.