ENGLAND TO NEW ZEALAND

Opunake Times, 8 December 1931, Page 3

ENGLAND TO NEW ZEALAND

STORY BY A PASSENGER.

PLENTY OF ENTERTAINMENT. A local resident who recently arrived tioiu England has kindly supplied us with details of the trip which will no doubt be of interest to our readers. After a gorgeous week of surveying the wonderful sights of London and visiting the many famous buildings of world-wide renown, we were conveyed to Southampton by a special boat train which carried ius right on t«o the wharf.into close proximity of the ship. We now passed into the Customs House whore we had to show our pass-ports and tickets and were subject to a rigorous examination by officials who are appointed to see that no goods are smuggled out of the country that is liable to any duty. Should anyone be found carrying anything illegal they are dealt with very severely. When the officials were satisfied that everything was in order we were allowed to go on board the boat which was due to sail at 12 o'clock noon. In these ports ships sail at the very hour specified—waits for n 0 one or time and everyone is supposed to be on board at an appointed hour. Between this specified time and the time of .sailing we had plenty of time to go below to make ourselves acquainted with the cabins. Naturally we were allowed to take a few friends on to the ship who were allowed to stay until the ship's bell clanged the warning "visitors ashore."

As soon as we wore aboard we set out on a 'tour of inspection and went down to our cabin which was as comfortable as any London hotel. It was a two-berth cabin, and contained a beautiful wash basin, seats and a lovely dress chair. Continuing our tour we, naturally but not purposely, were drawn to the dining room which we found to be a large .square room situated about sea level of tlie boat. It was a magnificent sight with all its many long tables all beautifully laid ready for dinner and which were fixed whilst all the chairs were fastened to the floor by chains. This room was about the most fashionable and up-to-date on the boat and later wc found the meals to be everything that one required. In the middle of the boat, or middle deck, was a finely appointed lounge which contained a library, of novels chiefly, but which were used a. great deal. Card tables were also here and were exceedingly well patronised. Near at hand was a ladies' room, which was mirrored all round and contained furniture of a delicate pink shade that gave it an appearance of some well-known mansion. In her© could be found all the requisites of a lady. Next door was a nursery, furnished simply, but on the lines of a modern nursery, containing many toys which proved the favourite pastimes of the children. This room proved a boon to the mothers. On the top deck was the smoke room whose beautiful lightcoloured walls were also pannelled with glass. At last, however,, the bell went ordering all visitors to shore and after saying good-bye there was a rush for the wharf. Long coloured streamers connected friends from the shore and on the boat and these presented a picturesque sight when the ship slowly threaded her way from the docks to begin her long voyage to New Zealand. The following day or two was voiy quiet as most of the passengers wenconfined below owing to sea-sickness, but gradually this was overcome and life began to take the usual course. About the middle of the following week word went round that a games' committee was to be formed at 8 o'clock that night. This committee supervised all the sports and arranged interesting tournaments for young and old. Among tliem were quoits, shuffle ball, bull-board and deck tennis, card parties, such as euchre, and whist, which were very welcome to the old people. The ship's captain announced that the ba«d would be available two nights a week. Everything was excitement and soon a fancy dross ball was arranged. These proved very popular and dancing kept everyone jolly until late at night. The days were given to sport but some who preferred reading lounged in deck chairs that were in sunny places. From Southampton to Panama good weather was experienced and the boat rode very evenly. The sea was like a duck-pond and when the ship cut the water great waves were made. This made a very pretty scene against the sunset when old father "Soleil" sank to rest (fx his fiery couch into the blazing sea.

The crew was of a very cosmospolitan type and proved very interesting as one watched their various antics. These people kept the ship spotlessly clean. Among the passengers were some Now Zealanders who had gone home to England in search of emloyment but without success, pleasure makers and business men. The people were principally English, Irish and .Scotch. (To be continued).