CRUISER’S VISIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26626, 24 November 1947, Page 4

CRUISER’S VISIT

BELLONA EXPECTED TO-MORROW ENTERTAINMENT OF CREW The ship’s company of H.M.N.Z.S'. Bellona, which is expected to arrive to-morrow, will, to all intents and purposes, be given the freedom of the city for the duration of the cruiser's stay. A welcome dance has been arranged by the City Council for tomorrow night and partners for the men have been selected by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Navy League. The ship’s band, as well as a band from the city, will be in attendance. On the following day the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society has invited the men to attend the summer show as guests. The first official visitor to the Bellona will be the Mayor, Mr Cameron, who will go aboard at 3 p.m. to call on the commanding officer, Captain M. B. Laing. Harbour Board officials will call on the captain at 3.30. Captain Laing will return these calls later in the afternoon.

It is expected that about 350 men will be on leave from the ship from 4 p.m. each day and from 12.30 p.m. on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Of these 275 will be eligible for allnight leave. Owing to the limited amount of accommodation in the city these men will, in the main, have to rely upon invitations from the public in order to take advantage of their passes. Free transport on trams and buses will be made available by the City Council and the swimming baths will be open to the wishing sailors free of charge. In addition a bus will be placed at the disposal of the ship's company for sight-seeing trips when leave, is granted from 12.30. Local golf clubs have thrown open their courses for the benefit of the visitors. A cricket match is to be arranged and water polo games are also included in the programme of entainment. In addition, 50 free tickets will be issued for a dance on Saturday night.