GREAT SPECTACLE

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12075, 28 February 1925, Page 9

GREAT SPECTACLE

A FLOATING TOWN/ .VIEWED BY THRONGS DURING THE DAY. Under exceptionally auspicious circumstances the R.M.M.9. Aorangi, the last word in motor-ship construction and in which New Zealand rejoices in pride of possession, steamed through the heads into Wellington Harbour yesterday morning and took up her appointed mooring at Queen’s wharf. The hour was too early to expect a large attendance of the public at the wharf, nevertheless the residents on the heights of Kelburn, Northland, Brooklyn, Oriental Bay, and Boseneath were astir at an earlier hour than usual, and with a bright sunny morning witnessed the splendid picture of tho last word in motor-ship construction entering the harbour under the most favourable circumstances. Captain J. E. Dawson, harbourmaster, took charge of her at the heads, and as she turned to cross the harbour was given a welcome whistle from the ferry steamer Cobar. which from the distance appeared ludicrously small by the side of the majestic Aorangi. at the Wharf. The ship was dressed with bunting from stem to stern, while across the end of Queen’s wharf were streamers of Sags and bunting arranged by the Harbour Board. She slowly moved in to the outer Queen’s wharf, where there is ample depth for a ship of greater draught than the Aorangi. As the time went by the crowd on the wharf grew considerably, 'but only a few were able to gain admission, invitations having been sent out. They made their way on board and were soon inspecting the commodious, not to say luxurious apartments, diningrooms, lounges, children’s nursery, etc., some of which are illustrated in our columns. It is only when one is on the vessel and inspects the various decks and accommodation, the tremendous depth of her holds, the height of her decks above water and the distance below, the great space occupied by her engines —although less than that occupied in steamers—that one realises more fully the immensity of her. It is by no means difficult to lose one’s way, but there are plenty of direction signs at all points. It is in no sense exaggeration to call the ship a floating town, for ska contains accommodation and food for the 3000 souls she carries. There are barbers’ shops in all classes, but sickness or accident bad placed them all hors-de-combat, and the shops were closed for the last ten days of the voyage. They were very smartly fitted, displaying all kjrids of fancy goods, and size considered compared favourably with any business premises of the kind in the city. GOOD TIME FOR, KIDDIES. The day nursery for the children is a new feature on ships visiting New Zealand. The walls are adorned with pictures of wild and domestic animals and farm scenery, and a large rocking horse and other toys are provided. The gymnasium, which is on the boat clock, is equipped with all kinds of contrivances for keeping fit, including boxing gloves, punch ball, cycle racing, parallel bars, etc. VICE-RECAL VISIT GOVERNOR AND SUITE INSPECT VESSEL. Among tho visitors to the Aoiangi yesterday morning were His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, Lady Alice Fergusson and Miss Ferguawn. who spent a considerable time making an inspection of the ship Their Excellencies were escorted round by the ship’s commander, Captain Crawford, and they expressc-l admiration of the many interesting sights witnessed. MR MASBEY VISITS VESSEL ADMIRATION FOR AORANGI. Tho lit. Hon. tho Prime Minister, Hon. W. K. Jlawy, v.m also a visitor to sec the ship, hut owing to I:i» indisposition lie was- not nolo to mount tho gangway and viewed the ship liom the wharf. The Prime Minister was met, on the wharf by Captain Monro, on bohalf

of the Harbour Board, Mr It. Kennedy, the local manager cf the Union Company, and Mi J. Marchbanko, general manager of the Harbour Board. Later Mr Massey was ;ojjied by Captain Crawford, master of the Aorangi. My Massey expressed liis admiration of the vessel ana commended the enterprise of the Union Company in building such a splendid ship. Various members of the Cabinet inspected the Aorangi during the morning. VISITORS’ INSPECTION LARGE CROWD ON BOARD. POSIES OP FLOWERS PRESENTED A large number of visitors inspected the ship yesterday afternoon by invitation of the Union Company, each, visitor being presented with a posy of flowers in boarding the vessel. Afternoon tea -was served on the promenade deck, and an. orchestra added to the gaiety of the afternoon. The principal guests were received in the first saloon vestibule as they entered by Captain Crawfotd and Mr Aitken, general manager of the Onion Company.

All parts of the ship, except the passengers’ cabins, were thrown open to inspection, and general admiration for the luxurious appointments ' wa3 expressed.