SAILORS’ CHRISTMAS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 546, 26 December 1928, Page 16

SAILORS’ CHRISTMAS

DINNER ON THE WARSHIPS TURKEY AND CHICKEN The ships’ companies of the warships at Devonport enjoyed their Christmas dinner yesterday just as much as those on shore. The mast-heads of the five ships at Devonport were decorated with sprigs of pohutukawa for the occasion, and below’ decks the festivities were fully enjoyed. Divine service was held at 10 a.m. in the Harbour Board’s shed in the dockyard, and was conducted by the naval chaplain and the missioner to seamen. Christmas hymns and carols were sung. Although half of the ships’ complements were away on annual leave and more were on shore-leave, there was a good muster at the mess-tables for Christmas dinner, and turkey, chicken, roast pork and plum pudding received ample justice. Even with the greatlyreduced number of men, 12 turkeys and 110 chickens, as well as a tremendous amount of pudding went to satisfy the appetites of those on board. The trainees of H.M.S. Philomel had an enjoyable time, a feast being spread in gaily decorated messes. During dinner the captains of each ship and the officers, “did the rounds” of the mess decks, and exchanged the compliments of the season with the men. After 11 a.m., with the exception of a few who had to remain on duty, the men were all granted shore leave. During the day the ships were thrown open for inspection, and many visitors availed themselves of the opportunity. Decorated with Christmas cards, the quarters of both officers and men present a gay sight. The last English mail arrived by the Ulimaroa yesterday morning, and eight bags were delivered to the warships.