H.M.S. CAMBRIAN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2975, 22 March 1911, Page 5

H.M.S. CAMBRIAN.

INSPECTION BY SCHOOL CHILDREN. ■ " LEST WE FORGET." When the war dogs are let loose upon the waters and belligerent naval forces arc pitted against each other, when decks are cleared for action, and deafening cannon blaze forth shot and shell; when the deadly torpedo is sent forth beneath the surface of the water upon its mission of destruction, or the submarine glides silently beneath the waves < n its errand of attack; when the decks of belligerent ships are strewn with wreckage and the blood of naval warriors flows along the decks; when shouts of triumph or wails of defeat rend the air—it is at such stirring times as these that the real business and purpose of the warship is apparent! And it is in the piping times of peace that preparedness for such occasions is likely to be forgotten! "Lest we forget," we have our Navy League, and periodically we have visits from warships to keep ns in remembrance! The slatey-grey cruiser Cambrian, now in port, harmlessly berthed at a wharf amidst everyday mercantile shipping, is one of the necessary periodical reminders. The action of the local branch of the Navy League in making arrangements for inspection on Saturday of the cruiser by some 1300 school children i& another reminder, and an Important one—one that looks beyond the present to the period when boys of to-day may officer and man the naval war forces of to-morrow. In its highly important mission of "lest we forget" the local branch of the Navy League could not exert itself to better purpose than to awaken in the youthful mind the necessity for preparedness. During a long period of peace, with its many blessing's, there is a danger of the old warrior spirit—the spirit that is not looking for light, but is ready for it when it comes —dying down. Visits of warships and visits to warships by our cannot fail to lessen this danger. That instruction in naval matters can bo combined with "entertainment where school children are concerned was successfully demonstrated by the officers of the Cambrian on Saturday. Captain Wemyss, R.N., having kindly granted permission for some 800 primary school children to go over his cruiser in the morning and some 500 secondary pupils to go over her in the afternoon, Lieutenant Burt and his fellow officers set their wits to work to provide entertainment for the youngsters while they were on board. For this purpose 150 of the petty officers and crew were told off, and they devised and carried through with pleasing success an _ entertainment which will live long in the memories of the children. When the first contingent of youthful visitors, with their teahcers, reached Port Chalmers shortly before 10 a.m. they were surprised and pleased to note the preparations that had been made for their entertainment. The oapstan on the forecastle had been improvised to servo the purpose of a merry-go-round, long spokes being fixed in every hole, and sturdy men-o'-warsmen stood at the spokes and pushed the merry-go-round at a merry pace while hundreds of children mounted the spokes and showed by their merry faces that they thoroughly enjoyed the fun. An aerial railway, called the nearest mono-rail to the South Pole, was fitted up on the starboard side of the ship and stretched on an incline from the forward bridgo right aft to the quarter deck, a chair, affixed to a pulley, conveying a little passenger at a whirling paco on each journey. Electric batteries and electric water dips were also in evidence, and these afforded no end of amusement. Aunt Sally and her family, personated by Jack Tars in burlesque costumes, provided • uproarious entertainment, as they dodged behind a canvas screen to escape the showers of missiles aimed at them. At each of the guns, and everywhere on board, members of the crew and officers were stationed who explained the working of the guns, electrical signalling, the working of torpedoes, searchlights, etc. ■ ■ Before bidding farewell to the Cambrian Mr Waddcll Smith, the senior teacher present, thanked the officers and men for the exceedingly cordial welcome that had been oxtended to the school members of the Navy League. No better arrangements had before been made, and their reception on board was the finest they had ever experienced. The officers and crew had laid themselves out in a delightful way for their delectation, and they would gratefully remember the pleasant and enjoyable time they had spent. After a few appropriate remarks in harmony with the occasion the hundreds of boys, und girls, and teachers sang "God Save t\.e King," followed by cheers for his Majcyty, the Navy, the Cambrian, her officers aid men, etc. At 10 minutes to three t" »• second con-

tingent of school members arrived, the majority on this occasion being the pupils of the Girls' Secondary Schools. Tho weather. being all that could be desired from the visitors', if not from the farmers standpoint, and the men of the warship being full of frolic, fun and attention, nothing was needed to make the trip ana visit as enjoyable as that of the first. As the lady principals and their pupils oame up the gangway they were received by a masculine lady clothed in flags that looked very like what a harem skirt is supposed to be, and wearing a luzuriant mass of flaxen locks hanging down her back, a. red nose, a loud voice, and an enchanting grin. Bowing graciously to each guest and keeping one hand over that portion of her body which, quite erroneously she supposed to be whore tho heart is kept, she had a word or two —more or less charmingly familiar—for each one. And, so to ripples of laughter and a chorus of "Ohs," everyone came aboard, and was given the run of the ship. Parties of 10 and more wera taken hero, there, and everywhere; the latest practical exposition of Mr Brennan's monorail was kept busy, while movements, change-, smiles, talks, and pleased comments became the order of the afternoon. Many really eaw and learned something; others pryed, with half-timid curiosity, into •all sorts of nooks and corners (if a warship has corners); while yet others wera courteously welcomed 1 to the officers' quarters, where afternoon tea was dispensed amid an agreeable interchange of conversation. And, .all too soon, the time came to leave. Massed on the deck and gangway and wharf, the young people stood while Mr James Allen, on behalf of tho Otago branch, in brief, cordial, and apropos terms thanked Senior Lieutenant Burt and his officers and men for their kindness and hospitality. At the conclusion three cheers were called for, and, needless to say, given with a will. Then "good-byes," the walk up the wharf, the entraining a.nd arrival at Dunedin station at 5 o'clock without mishap or incident to mar the pleasure of the outing. The following are the names of the schools and colleges which accepted the league's invitation, with the numbers of scholars and teachers in brackets: —-Morning train: .Normal (60 pupils, 3 teachers), Mornington (40-2), Forbury (50-3), Green Island (43-3), Bavensbourne (21-4), Sawyers' Bay (31-1), Outram (31-2), Walton (±5-2). Maoandrew Bead (50-3), Leith Valley (10-1), Arthur Street (31-5), Caversham (29-2), Wa.ka.ri (10-1), High Street (65-3), St. Clair (30-1), Albany Street (50-2), Musselburgh (45-4), George Street (35-4), Moray Place (20-3), N.E. Valley (85-11). Afternoon train: Otago Girls' High (130-5), Girton (70-4), St. Hildas (56-4), St. Andrew's (39-3), Braemar (61-4), Anderson's Bay (20-2), Kkikorai (49-2), Maori Hill (302). There wera some absentees, but the great majority were in evidence, the total number taken by the two trains totalling about 1130, which is by far the lamest excursion of its kind that the Otago branch has undertaken, Messrs J. A. Johnstone. James Allen, James Jeffery—members of the pan ied the second trip. It only remains to say that the Cambrian's offioers were highly pleased with the admirable conduct and bearing of the young people both morning and afternoon. Mr F. Waifce, a member of the executive of the Navy League, was in charge of tha morning primary echoed visitors, and Mr C. Darling, the secretary of the league, took charge of tho secondary school contingent, who inspected the cruiser in the afternoon.