ENJOYABLE VISIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27567, 8 December 1950, Page 6

ENJOYABLE VISIT

Complement Of Research Vessel OVERWHELMING HOSPITALITY Scientists and crew members of the Royal Research ship Discovery II say they have enjoyed -their stay in Dunedin. Since they arrived here at the week-end from Antarctic waters they have been so overwhelmed with hospitality that at times they have been placed in an embarrassing'position. So many invitations to parties and other outings have been received that several have had to be declined. Some of the men were invited to the speedway racing at Tahuna Park earlier in the Week. They were introduced to the riders taking part in the racing, and were entertained later at a party. Others have been taken for car and bus rides around the city. Last night a group was taken to visit the Mosgiel Woollen factory, and played a cricket match against a team of employees. In , addition, the men have been given a mayoral reception, and have also received numerous private invitations to various entertainments. Mr P. M. David, a member of the scientific party is a keen angler. He spent some hours fishing in the Mataura a day' or two ago, and also in a stream nearer to the city, but with little success. “I was amazed when invited to go fishing in the Mataura as it entails a journey of three hours,” Mr David said. ■ “At home we would plan for months to travel that distance for fishing. In this country distance seems to be of little consequence.” Most of those with, beards in the ship are reluctant to part with them, but,, the most conspicuous one has disappeared. Hearing that a woman friend was coming down to see him from Wellington, the owner of the beard soon “ had it off,” much to the amusement of his friends. He explained that the beard would have been- “ troublesome.” While in port, the scientists have been overhauling and repairing their equipment and developing photographs of life in the Antarctic. They have also been storing away in the holds dozens of bottles containing specimen* of fish, shells and other ocean life collected on the voyage. More than 5000 bottles of varying sizes are kept in the ship. As they are filled they are stored in the holds, and “ empties ’ are then brought up to the laboratories. „ . On the other hand, members of th* ship’s company have been busy painting, fuelling and provisioning the vessel. Extra stores have been taken on for Macquarrie Island, where the ship will go on her way to Melbourne. On the-voyage to the island water samples will be taken but little biological work will be done. The ship is expected to sail for there about noon today.