VISIT OF THE FLEET.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16425, 8 May 1924, Page 5

VISIT OF THE FLEET.

GISBOftNE NOT OVERLOOKED.

REPULSE TO ANCHOR! IN BAY.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR; VISITORS.

A laat-minute alteration has been made in regard to the visit of the Special Service Squadron, to Gisborne, telegrams being l received last evening to the effect that it had been arranged for the battlecruiser Repulse to arrive in the Bay at 8 a.m. 'to-morrow and to remain for inspection by visitors until 3 p.m. School children and others will, therefore, now have an opportunity of seeing the second largest of the ships, of the squadron. In view of this alteration in the arrangements, the remainder of the squadron will not now come into the- Bay, a'll the remaining vessels passing about ten miles out.

As soon as the telegraphic advice Was received from the Prime Minister steps were: taken to circulate the information and to make such arrangements as were possible for the conveyance' of children out to the ship. Apart from ascertaining what tenders were available, however, little could be done last night, but the Mayor, Mr. Geo. Wildish, promptly called a public meeting this morning to discuss arrangements. The following telegram, received by Mr. W. D. Lysnar, M.P., clearly indicates the arrangements insofar as the .Repulse is concerned:— •'With, reference to your telegram of 3rd instant I have to inform you that Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick Field, commanding the Special (Service Squadron, has intimated that having regard to the time allocated for the visit of the squadron to Napier, namely 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the 9th inst., and also to tide conditions both at Gisborne and at Auckland, it was impracticable for a suitable time to be arranged for the squadron to make a stay at Gisborne. In these circumstances the Admiral, in his desire to meet the wishes of citizens of Gisborne, and surrounding districts, has consented that the battle-cruiser H.M.S. Repulse shall be detached from the squadron after leaving Wellington to-morrow and shall proceed direct to Gisborne, arriving on Friday morning, 9th inst., at -8 o'clock, and remaining till 3 p.m., when she will proceed to join the remainder of the squadron era route to Auckland and passing ten miles off Gisborne about 4 p.m. "This is the best arrangement that can be made, and I feel sure will be appreciated by you all. This will also provide an opportunity, weather conditions permitting, for adult citizens and children personally to visit this very line modern battle-cruiser. Satisfactory arrangements for the transport of visitors to and from the ship will, of course, be left to your local committees. —R. F. Bollard, Minister of Internal Affairs."

Similar telegrams were received by His Worship the Mayor, Sir Jaa. Carroll, and Mr. W. Hamilton Irvine, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, with the exception that in these it is stated the Repulse "will proceed, to join the remainder of the squadron en route to Auckland and passing four miles off Gisborne at 4 p.m." In the case of Mr. Lysnar's message it would seem that the Hood and her consorts are to pass ten miles from Gisborne, or outside the Arial reef, whilst the other telegrams indicate that they will pass four miles off. '

Mr, Lysnar replied! in the following terms' to the Hon. Mr. Bollard:—"I duly I received yow wire and am very grateful to you for arranging for the battfe-cruiser H.M.S. Repulse to stop at Gisborne on Friday and am sure it will be greatly appreciated by the people of thisT district and particularly so by the children. Please convey to the Admiral thii district's thanks for arranging for the; Repulse f> sto P at Gisborne.—W. D. Lysnar." A telegram was also received by the secretary of the Harbor Board from Vice-Admiral Field to the effect that the Repulse would anchor in the Bay from 8 o'clock to-morrow morning until early in the) afternoon. i Replies 1 were sent to the Prime Minister expressing appreciation of the fact that arrangements had been made for one of the largest of the ships of the equadron to visit Gisborne. REPULSE TO VISIT GISBORNE, (Special to the Herald.) WELLINGTON, last night. The ships Hood, Repulse, and Adelaide, of the Special Service Squadron, leave here at 8 a.m. on Thursday for Auckland, via the East Coast. The ships will remain off Napier from 8 a.m. till 10 a.m. on Friday, while the Repulse, which is a sister ship to the Renown, will steam ahead to Gisborne, enabling the people of Poverty Bay to view this up-to-date cruiser from 8 a.m. till 3 p.m. on Friday. The whole squadron Wili rendezvous and proceed to Auckland, i, , ... ■ The' Prime Minister states he will leave Wellington on Friday for Auckland to participate in the welcome to the fleet, and will remain about two days. FINAL HOURS IN WELLINGTON. \ THOUSANDS~VISIT SHIPS. | "FLOATING PALACE OF f DELIGHT." (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. To-day many thousands took advantage of the last opportunity to visit the .battle cruisers Hood and Repulse. At . one time there was waiting t a queue nearly half a mile long. On the Hood hundreds of small, parties were taken charge of by petty officers and seamen and personally conducted over the huge righting vessel and various sections explained. On the Repulse, it was a men's day and thousands of invitations must have been issued. The vessel was crowded and the men were allowed a full opportunity to entertain the' visitors and provide them with enjoyment. The quarter deck was placed at their disposal and a jazz band played all the afternoon. For the children various swings, revolving wheels, switchback railways arid chutes were arranged. To the little- ones the warship resembled a Boating palace of delight. To-night there, is the Navy League ball and a searchlight display. . The vessels, with H.M.A.S. Adelaide, leave at eight to-morrow morning ViceAdmiral Field, in command of the Special Service Squadron, will arrange for thei squadron, to give a searchlight display when off Cape Tumagain, which will be about 10 o'clock to-morrow night. The squadron will be at Napier from 8 to 10 a.m. on Friday, but H.M.S. Repulse will be sent on to Gisborne where she will remain from, 8 a.m. till the afternoon on Friday. The Repulse is a sister ship to the Renown, in which H.R.H. fch© Prince of Wales visited -New Zealand. SEARCHLIGHT DISPLAY AT WELLINGTON. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Oho of the most brilliant searchlight displays ever seen in Wellington wa3 given by the Hood' and Repulse last evening. The conditions were ideal. The complex play of blinding streaks of vivid light on, the harbor, hills and city was dazzling in its strength and beauty. The

display was witnessed by many thousands of people. It has been arranged that about 10 o'clock to-night the squadron, in response to requests of residents, will give a display of searchlights off Cape Turnagain.

DEPARTURE FROM WELLINGTON,

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Punctually at 6.45 a.m. the Hood left Fipitea, wharf, followed by the Repulse and Adelaide. They made a fine picture as they moved down the harbor, en route to Napier, Gisborne, and Auckland.

SEARCHLIGHT DISPLAYS

A TREAT FOR COAST RESIDENTS

(Special to the Herald.)

WELLINGTON, this day

To meet the requests of East Coast residents Admiral Sir Frederick Field has agreed to turn the searchlights on on Friday night when steaming north ns follows :' Tokomaru Bay and Waipiro Bay at 6 p.m. and' 7 p.m. ; Tuparoa and Port Awanui between 7 and 8 p.m.; Te Araroa and Hicks Bav between 9 and 10 p.m. In each case the display will last a quarter of an hour.

The Governor-General has suggested that children in each district should be on hand at various points at the beginning of the times mentioned Last night's searchlight display in Wellington was magnificent.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR TO-MORROW

CHILDREN OVER SEVEN YEARS TO BE TAKEN OUT.

PROVIDING FOR COUNTRY CHILDREN.

AN EARLY START

Arrangements for taking school children out to the Repulse were discussed at a public meeting 'in the Borough Council Chambers this morning. The Mayor, Mr. Geo. Wildish, presided over a, fair attendance, the fact that very short notice had been given of the meeting making it impossible for many to be present. The chairman said it would be necessary for them to get right to work, as there was only the one day to make arrangements. He had communicated with til© stationmaster and arranged accommodation on the train for children from the country schools, while others from Muriwai aiid Manutuke would be brought in by motor-cars and motorlorries. The district was, most fortunate in gaining a visit from the vessel, and he looked to the public to assist in making it a red-letter day for the children. Tidal arrangements would be suitable, and the launches would be able to leave the wharf from 9 o'clock to about 1 p.m. Mr. W. D. Lysnar, M.P., said he bad been away when the itinerary of the vessels had' been arranged. When he i returned on Saturday, however, he telej graphed the Prime Minister, asking for I the matter to be re-considered. This had been done, and the district should feel very gratified that it had not been overlooked. He thought everything possible should b e done to enable all school children to visit the ship free of charge. No schools should be overlooked, and, if necessary, adults would have to give way to children. He had been in communication with the Poverty Bay Club, and understood they were making arrangements to entertain iftiy officers who were able to come ashore. The most important thing, however, was to make sure the children saw the vessel. The chairman said it had been suggested that the question of transportsiton should be left to Captains A. Carson and .7. W. Holmes. If this could be done, there would bo a big load off their minds. The chairman of the Harbor Board said that as far as possible they should concentrate in getting the children out early in the morning. The port would not be workable after 2 p.m., and, therefore, they should make an early start. The captains were holding a meeting to go into the matter, and the matter of transportation could be left to them.

At this, stage Captains Carson, Coleman; Robinson, and Holmes submitted the following report of their deliberations : "We suggest the' lighters Matata, Matuka, and 1 Eliza Allen only be used for the children. These vessels to be towed by tugs John Townley, Hipi, and Takitimu. Th e suggested embarkation area is at Waikanae groyne, near the stockyard. "Suggested procedure: School children to he mustered at Waikanae groyne under their class teachers, and to proceed aboard the lighters in charge of the teachers, so that discipline may be maintained 1 throughout the visit. This we consider is most necessary.

"We suggest that a wireless communication be sent to the commander of the Repulse, suggesting that children be put on board at after-end of the ship from lighters 100 feet in 'length, and enquiring if the ship has gangways, and that if not the port will supply them; also enquiring what is the freeboard of the Repulse aft, and suggesting 8 a.m. as time for children to commence coming aboard'—the number being about 3COO. "The Superintendent of Police to be requested to allow two constables to be at the groyne. It will be necessary to consult the Collector of Customs regarding the embarkation. "Regarding adults, it is suggested that the Tuatea, Tawcra, and Gosford be engaged to take all adults—the latter to be embarked at the town wharves. We suggest that a charge of 2s per head be made, with the idea of financing the whole outlay, including taking out the children. The crew employed on the lighters will be master and four men on each of the vessels. Four men will be engaged on the groyne to handle gangway and assist in 'getting the-children aboard—in addition to the men employed: on the tugs." It. was decided that the whole of the transport arrangements be left to the two master mariners.

Mr. Lysnar suggested that the commander of the Repulse should be telegraphed to and informed that, the first lot of children would be taken aboard at 8 a.m. An early start was'essential if 3000 were going over the ship, and there was nothing to prevent the town children mustering at 7..'i0 a.m. Capt. Carson said that, the lighter could return to the wharf as late as 3 p.m. Mr. J. W. Nolan emphasised the fact that it should not be allowed for adults to crowd the children out. No adults should be allowed to go out on the lighters. Mr. J. McLcod suggested that only children from standard two up should be allowed to go. If this restriction was made there would only be about 2000 instead of .1000 children. He quite ngreed that the first batch could leave the wharf at 7.30 a.m. It'was agreed that, the first trip should be made as early as possible, and that preference should bo given to children. The chairman and Messrs. McLcod, G. Crawshaw, E. iH. Mann and "P. J. Rowley, were appointed a committee to make necessary train arrangements for country schools.

Mr. C. G. Bayliss expressed the opinion that there should be no re-

striction on the children. If they were old enough to go to school they were old enough to appreciate the educational advantages of the visit. Mr. Mann said it, was too much responsibility to ask the teachers to exercise control over children of five, six and seven years of age. Mr. MeLcod said that, ns a schoolmaster, he would not allow his teachers to take the responsibility of looking after the infant children. After some further discussion a compromise was reached by fixing the minimum age at seven, it being pointed out that younger children could go aboard with their parents. The Chairman said he had been asked to approach the commander for permission for a football team to come ashore and play a match with a local team. The Poverty Bay Football Association was prepared to make all arrangements. It was decided that the request: be submitted to the commander. Mr. H. F. Forster said that if it was intended to give 'the country school children a cup of tea, the Waikanae Beach Society would give every assistance. They had the necessary equipment on the beach and ample assistance would be available. The Chairman said he understood the Government, were giving assistance in this connection, but, failing this, local organisations could undertake the matter. It was decided that the local ladies' organisations and the Waikanae Beach Society should be left to deal with the question of catering in conjunction with the headmasters of schools. It was decided that the Tuatea, Tnwera and Gosford be engaged to take adults out to the vessel.

The question of asking the shopkeepers to close was brought, up, and it was decided that shopkeepers and business premises be requested to close until one o'clock.

The various committees appointed met subsequently and went into details of the arrangements in their charge. As far as the schools are concerned, it is being left to the headmasters to make all arrangements for the assembling of the children at suitable times. Country schools are nil being notified, and conveyances for those not on the route of the railway arc being obtained. An official party will visit the Repulse in the Harbor Board launch at 8 o'clock.

Train arrangements have been made to suit country residents and school teachers. The usual morning train is quite convenient, for people wishing to come into town, while the outwards train in the afternoon has been postponed until 4.35 p.m. The Public Works Department has consented to run a special train on the Ngatapa train for the benefit of school children, and this will connect with the Motuhora train, both morning and afternoon. Adults will be charged usual fares, but school children, teachers and members of school committees will be carried at school excursion rates.

H.M.S. REPULSE,

iSOME FACTS TO REMEMBER,

The Repulse is one of the finest battle-ships afloat. A sister-ship to H.M.S. Renown, the. Repulse was redesigned in conformity with lessons taught by the Falkland battle.

Original cost £2,627,401, subsequent re-fitting £B6o,6B4—total cost, £3,488,085.

Details at a glance:—Armament: Six 15-inch guns, seventeen 4-inch, two 3-inch, four 3-pounders, four machineguns, and two 3-inch anti air-craft guns, with ten torpedo tubes. Complement: 950., Speed, 32 knots. The Repulse is a sister ship to the Renown, on which the Prince of Wales visited New Zealamd in 1920. She is of 26,500 tons displacement, 750 feet long. 90 feet beam, with a, draught of feet. Her engines develop 112,000 horsepower.. OFFICERS OF THE REPULSE. Captain Henry W. Parker, C'.B. Commander Francis H. Sandford, D.S.O. Engineer-Commander George H. Starr. Surgeon-Commander W. H. D. Breton. Chaplain, Rev. John W. Evans (C. of E.), Rev. LaUrence Mann, 0.5.8.. (8.C.); Lt.-Commanders, Humphrey Be.nne4t, A. K. Dibley (Engineers), Chas. Morgata, D. 5.0., W. A. K. Grace, R. H. Lilley, D. 5.0., N. A. H. Barlow (Surgeon); Lieutenants , (Capt. Royal Marines), C. W. Adair, G. T. Phillips, D.S.C., R. T. C. Roe. Ronald Agnew (Royal Canadian Navv), R. O. Burge, Walter- Brown, D.S.C.*, J. E. S. Anderson, O. P. Fiend, Robert G. H. Linzee, K. A. Hutson, Geoffrey Brafcison, 'Godfrey Powles (Engineer), D. A. Aitken (R.A.N.), F. R. P. Williams (Surgeon), Frank Wilkinson (Instructor), Guy S. Windeyer, C. E. Ransomo (Royal Mairinos), S. A. Joliffe (Paymaster), Kenneth Enamcis (Surgeon), Sub-Lieut. lan Elliot, Lieutenant (Royal Marines), Patrick Phibbs. CHAMPION OF ATLANTIC FLEET. Between the Hood and the Repulse there is gretSt rivalry. Originally the latter was a complete sister ship to the Renown, with a tonnage of 26,500. Actually, to-day, she is nearly 37,500 ; toris idisplacement, by reason of the aklded weight of improvements. Her sailors point* this out caustically and paingently. She is the champion gunnery ship of the Atlantic Fleet. In size she is about 70 feet shorter than the Hood. The Repulse has "not the displacement or the gun power of the Hood. Neither has she the speed; but she does enjoy a tradition which goes back to the biime of Queen, Elizabeth. The original ship of her name helped to beat the Dons at Cadiz in 1596, and was with Sir Richard Grenville and his Revenge in the Azores in. 1597. Another ancestor was at Martinique isn 1762, at the Saints in 1782, Feiirol in 1805, aind in the Great War the ipreswn/ti ship served in the North Sea. Tha Repulse is probably the keenest ship in the squadron in many ways, and a dozen trophies won in the squadron competition prove it. But, from a laiymaln's point of view, rfho differs little in her features from the, Hood, except for the hitter's spaciousness—same fight-ing-tops tdwering above grey hall and speekless decks; same complications of bridges and funnel and wireless maist; same, guns, only one t.'urret less of fifteen inch weapons, amd a lesser complement of smaller gums; same, boat-deck, with rows of pininalees- rind picket boats and barges, which in the early days of the Navy might carh have been fairly-sized vessels fit for a daredevil ito cross an ocoa'n in ; same bewildering engine-rooms and messes aind marines sleeping in hammocks above the Moons, and same, churning whirr of never-pausing machinery. IN THE JUTLAND RATTLE. Cnptniti Henry Wise Parker, C. 8., of H.M.S. .Hood, was promoted captain Jwn-e 30, 1914. H.M.S. Hecla, January, 1915, to August, 1315. H.M.S. Beribow, flag .(jarjtain to Admiral Sir Dovnton Sturdee, August, 1915, ito June, 1916, indiudiing .the IkMle of Jutlalnd, for his services in thn'l action being awarded the C.B. (military). H.M.S. Hercules, as flnig captniin, Jaime, 1916, to February. 1918. H.M.S. Crescent, as chief of staff to commander-in-chief, coast of Scotland,

as commodore second class, February, 1918, to, April, 1919. H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth, as captain of fleet to Admiral Sir C. E. Mn'ddem, ■commander in chief, AiJ'antio and Home, Fleets as commodore second class, .April, 1919, to August, 1921. Director of operations division of the war staff, February, 1922, to November, 1923. H.M.S. Repulse, in command, .November, 1923. A GALLANT COMMANDER. Commander F. H. Sandford, commander of H.M.S. Repuse during 1915, played a gallant, part in the Dardanelles operations, where he was severely wounded. Ha was awarded the D. 5.0., mentioned in dispatches, and specially promoted to commamder. He was appointed to the staff of Sir Roger Keyes at Dover to help in preparing plans for the "bottling up" of Zeebrugge in 1918. He, also played Oi distinguished part, in the operations'. His brother, the late Lieutenant R. ,D. .Sandford, was in command of Submarine 03. which, during tha hottest period of the attack, was pushed under the mole to blow it up. From the mole the enemy fired at point blank range upon the submarine, and badly wounded most of its crew. Commalndar Sandford, who was waiting in his launch, under the muzzles of the enemy's guns, brought off the submarine's crew in safety. The French Government gave him the Croix de Guerre with palms.