SLOOP CASSIOPEE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19697, 26 January 1926, Page 7

SLOOP CASSIOPEE.

MANY VISITORS YESTERDAY. SALUTE TO MAYOK AND OITT. A large number of visitors thronged the decks of the French sloop Cassiopee yesterday afternoon. Children were much in evidence, and displayed the usual curiosity of the young. They clambered hither and thither, and quickly made friends with the smiling sailors, who were obligingly attentive in answering the many questions asked them, and in conducting visitors over the vessel. There was a general clean-up on board yesterday morning, and the sloop presented » very spick-and-span appearance after an hour or two’s work on the part of the crew. After the Cassiopee was berthed on Sunday morning Mr J. Loudon, chairman of the Harbour Board, called on the commandant and extended a cordial welcome on behalf of the hoard, and proffered any assistance or facilities required during the vessel's stay in port. Captain Decoux expressed himself as delighted with what he described as our “beautiful country,” and said he was looking forward with much pleasure to see a great deal of it. At 10.30 a.m. yesterday an official call was jjaid by the Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley. M.P.) and the Civic Committee. When the party came ashore a salute of 21 guns was tired by the Cassiopee’s starboard 75 millimetres gun as a compliment to the Mayor, the city, and the Dominion. Mr Tapley extended a hearty welcome to Captain Decoux, his officers and members of the crew on behalf of the citizens. Captain Decoux returned the call to the Mayor at midday. In the afternoon Mr S. E. D. Neill, French Consul, paid an unofficial call on Captain Decoux. Several officers and members of the sloop’s crew attended the Exhibition last evening. Shore leave was granted to a large number of the craw in the afternoon, and the men found much to claim their attention in the city. A civic reception will be accorded Captain Decoux and his officers by the Mayor at noon to-day at the Town Hall.