TOGO'S HEROES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10659, 12 May 1906, Page 6 (Supplement)

TOGO'S HEROES.

SIX HUNDRED JAPANESE BLUEJACKETS FETED IN LONDON. LONDON, March 31.

The Nippon Yusen Kaisha steamer Iyo "Maruj with six hundred Japanese bluejackets on board, came up to her berth" m the Royal Albert Dock on Saturday afternoon from Japan. Thousands of spectators packed the wharves, and as the Iyo drew alongside and Togo's men could be seen lining the bulwarks m dense array cheer after cheer burst from the crowds on shore.

No sooner was the gangway hoisted up and shore leave granted than about _t of the Japanese sailors trooped down to the wharf. It was observed that many of the Japanese returned to the ship after a few minutes. On inquiry it was learned that these men were eager to set foot on English soil, and were quite delighted with the opportunity of doing so. Many of the lads raised their caps as they stepped on to the dock from the gangway.

A ROUND OF SIGHT-SEEING.

Three hnndred of the Japanese sailors went on Monday morning on a tour of places of interest m the Metropolis. The sailors drove from St. Paul's to Westminster Abbey, passing the Nelson Column on the way, with which they were greatly impressed. At the. Abbey the visitors were received by Archdeacon Wilber force, who said the eyes of Europe were upon Japan just now. The party was broken up into groups, who explored the Abbey under guidance, but most of the sailors expressed disappointment that there was no Nelson monument m the building, although pleased when shown the waxen effigy of their hero. The sailors were next shown the monuments of Anson, St. Vincent, and other naval heroes m the north aisle, and the Wellington statue; whilst the statue and the story of Gordon greatly impressed them. At the close of the visit Archdeacon Sinclair addressed the sailors, saying he trusted they would always remember that Londoners were their friends. Might God bless them and "their country. The commanding officer replied that it was great happiness to be well received m the capital of their great allies. Before leaving the Abbey, one of the officers told Archdeacon Wilberforce that every" man present had fought at Port Arthur.

The men marchod to Caxton Hall, accompanied by a cheering crowd of' admirers. Luncheon -was served for them by the Japanese Steamship Company m the Hall, lent for the purpose by the Corporation. There were no speeches. After their sightseeing tour, which included a visit to the Coliseum, where high tea was served, the Japanese sailors were entertained at the Alharabra.where the programme included a special bioscope performance depicting scenes participated m at Port Arthur by those sailors present, the sole survivor of the vessel which was scuttled off the Port, a lieutenant,- being, able to see himself performing a daring deed. Shortly after midnight the Whole party travelled by train from Fenchurch street on their return to the Albert Dock. The other moiety of the six hundred visitors repeated qn Tuesday the tour of their comrades. OFFICERS AT THE MANSIONHOUSE. The officers were entertained at the Mansion House, where they were .welcomed by the Lord Mayor, the Lady Mayoress, and the Sheriffs, and entertained at luncheon. The streets around the Mansion House were thronged with people who had assembled to see the visitors. The Lord Mayor's luncheon party numbered about sixty and included' Admiral Sir E. Fremantle; The proceedings were informal, but at the close of the repast his Lordship (after having proposed the health of King Edward and the health of The Mikado) conveyed to his guests his pleasure at receiving them m the city of London, where the naval prowess of Japan was greatly regarded and admired. , .

Captain Sakamoto, speaking m excellent English, said he. and his comrades felt it a great honour to be received m the City of London. During the few hours they had been m this country the men had been greeted with the warmest sympathy, which touched them very much. Their stay here would be very short, but they had already learned a good many things, one of which was the affection of the people of this country for their allies m the East. WHAT THE VISITORS THINK. OF LONDON. On Tuesday a representative of the Daily Mail seated 'himself among a party of Kashima sailors, and asked them, "What do you think of London?" "Immense," "grand," "splendid," "the kindest-hearted people m the world," "unspeakably wonderful"— these were some of the replies given by the sailors. One fine young bluejacket from Na'goya, an ancient town of midJapan, , said that to attempt to describe their sensations, their feelings of appreciation, would be vain. Everything here was Svonderful— the enormous, busy city, the magnificent palaces, the marvellous policeman, with his upheld hand staying the mighty currents Of London's vehicular traffic for a greater distance, than he himself could see, the beautiful women and children, the smoke and the noise, the rush, the hurry, the- bustle, and. yet m good order.