H.M.S. A NEW ZEALAND.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1736, 6 September 1919, Page 5

H.M.S. A NEW ZEALAND.

SAILORS ENTERTAINED. DAY IN THE COUNTRY. PICNIC AT LITTLE RIVER. Yesterday, the residents of Little River had an opportunity of welcoming close on 200 petty officers and men of H.M.B. New Zealand, whom the Canterbury Automobile Association had motored out from Christchurch, and they did so in no uncertain manner. Some 70 cars were provided, and left the railway station at 11 a.m., arriving at the Awa-iti Domain, Little River, at midday. A splendid lunch had been prepared and was served by ladies of Little River, attired in sailor costume in compliment to their guests. Turkey, fowl, ham, ox tongue, lamb, mutton, beef, and salads were followed by trifles, jellies and fruitjoies. A large quantity of cigarettes were distributed, and each man was presented with a cigar on leaving the luncheon marquee. The chairman of the Wairewa County Council (Mr J. Chapman), worked very hard to make the function a success. At the conclusion of luncheon he extended a welcome to the sailors on behalf of Little River residents. He said they had desired to show their appreciation of what the sailors had, done during the war. Had it not been for the power of the British Navy in protecting the Empire, the happy function would not have been possible. The residents would never forget their deep sense of gratitude to the Navy. (Applause.) Mr T. Thompson and Mr J. O. Coop (chairman of the Jocal patriotic association), also spoke welcoming the men. Commissioned-Boatswain J. Wilkinson, in charge of the party said, in replying, that it was a privilege and a pleasure to respond to the hearty welcome which had been accorded the men. They were all proud, he said, to belong to H.M.S. New Zealand, .and proud to be in this beautiful country. Air the men had been dfftghted .with the motor trip. When he had been asked on the voyage, what kind of country New Zealand was, he had replied in the words of a wellknown jmliticia;! "Wait and see." They had waited and seen, -and were well satisfied. He had once heard the late Mr Seddon describe New Zealand as "God's own country" and he quite agreed with that description. Mr J. Chapman expressed the thanks of the residents for the generous way in which the members of the Canterbury Automobile Association had supplied cars-for the conveyance of the sailors. Mr J. S. Hawkes, president of the Automobile Association, responded. After luncheon a very pleasant afternoon was spent. A football match between a Little River team and the sailor 3 resulted in a win for the home team by 12 points to nil. A tug-of : war between a team of ladies, Maori and pakeha, and the. sailors caused considerable diversion, no decision being arrived at, owing to the snapping of the rope. Afternoon tea was provided, and the Mayor of Christchurch (Dr H. T. J. Thacker, M.P.) delivered a speech, concluding with a Maori ode. The ship's haka team gave their realistic performance, greatly to.the interest of the Maoris present. The return journey, after cheers had fteen given by the sailors, commenced at : 4.50 p.m., the party motoring to the Colosseum, where tea and an entertainment were being provided. The following are the results of the athletic events: — 10flyds Championship.—Bowcn 1, Kent 2. Sack Race. —Welbourne and Putnam (equal) 1, Patterson 2. Spar Fighting.—Webster 1, Reed 2, Wragge 3. Tug-of-VVar.—H.M.S. New Zealand No. 1 (Edwards, McNeece, Putnam, Welbourne, -Smith-, Drawbraithe, Heard, Pigott, Robertson, Sayce) beat H.M.S. New Zealand No. 2. In further tug-of-war contests a Little River white team beat a Maori team, and both teams beat the warghlp teams. Wheelbarrow Race.—A. Robertson and P. Patterson 1, W. G. Paine and J. Neilson 2.

As evidencing the keenness of motor car owners to give pleasure to the visiting sailors, an incident may be quoted. Mr H. Dix, of Rangiora; who had motored to the city on business, finding that there was a car short for the conveyance of sailors to Little River, immediately placed his car at the disposal of the association, and drove a party of sailors out himself. AT THE COLOSSEUM.

The entertainment of the visiting sailors at the Colosseum last evening was in the hands of the Lady Liverpool Society, and the function went with dash from the commencement. The men, fresh from their motor trip from Little River, had an excellent tea, and were afterwards entertained by Mrs H: E. Smith's Pom Pom Pierrots for an hour, after which the floor was cleared for dancing. The Marine Band from the warship was present, and played some excellent dance music, as well as heading a grand march of 500 couples. The men declared themselves as delighted with the entertainment, and Chief-bos'n Wilkinson made a happy speech thanking the citizens for their kindness. The Mayor and Mrs Thaeker visited the Colosseum during the evening. To-night the Women's National Reserve and Returned Soldiers' Association will have the entertaining of | the sailors. HISTORIC AKAROA.

VISITED BY OFFICERS. Owing to the coal shortage, H.M.S. New Zealand is unable to visit Akaroa, but some of the officers and men have taken the opportunity of viewing the township and harbour. On Tuesday, Commodore F. C. Dreyer, Commander H. R. Sawbridge, and Lieut.-Commander R. H. de Salis paid a business visit to Akaroa, where they cruised round the harbour in Mr G. Welsh's launch. Mr J. D. Bruce, who has an expert knowledge of the winds and currents of the harbour, accompanied the party, whose main defect was to ascertain the suitability of using Akaroa as a naval base.

[T*e day. was beautifully fine, and the officers enjoyed the trip. ,- On Thursday, a paity of officers and men from the warship were entertained at lunch by the Mayor, arid subsequently fifed a rifle match against the local club, who won. In the evening the visitors were entertained at a social and dance in the social hall of the Boating Club. ON THE WEST COAST. VISIT OF STAFF OFFICERS. Preia A.tttocialton. jGREYMOUTH, September 6. The Staff officers from H.M.S. New Zealand, who are visiting the West Coast, proceeded to Port Elizabeth yesterday and inspected the site proposed for a deep-sea harbour. Last night a civic reception was tendered them, and they were subsequently entertained by the Greymouth Club. This morning they proceeded to We,stport, and will later join the battle-cruiser at Picton. HAEREMAI. The following telegrams have been exchanged between the natives of Tuahiwi and Admiral Viscount Jellicoe: To Admiral Lord Jellicoe, H.M.S. New Zealand.

The Maoris of Tuahiwi and Kaiapoi, whence sprung the greatest warriors of old, welcome your Lordship, Lady Jellicoe, officers, men and ship to the shores of our ancient forefathers. We have noted with pride that in the Jutland Battle the flag presented by the Maoris of Tuahiwi was flown at your masthead. May your sojourn among us be -full of happiness. Haeremai, Haeremai, Haeremai. TE HAU OF TUAHIWI. To the Maoris of Tuahiwi and' Kaiapoi, We .thank you for the greetings and good wishes you send on behalf of the Maoris of Tuahiwi and Kaiapoi. Lady Jellicoe, officers and men of H.M.S. New Zealand and I are proud of H.M.S. New Zealand and are proud to receive such a message from the > descendants of the gallant and chivalrous warriors of the past. The Navy will ever remember . that your flag was flown aboard at the Battle of Jutland. Kia Ora. JELLICOE, Admiral of the Fleet. JOTTINGS. Mr J. R. Brunt, secretary of the Canterbury Justices of the Peace Association, has been informed by Captain Leggett, of H.MI.S. New Zealand, that Monday afternoon, at 3 o'clock, has been fixed for the official visit of the members of the Justices' Association. Members will leave by the 2.45 p.m. train.

On. Monday next a party of 200 of the. bluejackets will be taken by members of the Automobile Association for a run to Oxford, via Eyreton. The party will leave Cathedial Square.at 10 a.m., arrive at Oxford at noon, where they will be entertained at lunch by the "Women's Christion Temperance Union. At 2.45 p.m. the party will leave for Rangiora, where afternoon tea will be ! served in the Drill Hall, and will probably be followed by a short dance. The party will leave for Christchurch at 5 p.m. and be entertained in the evening at the Colosseum. Members of the Canterbury Automobile Association are requested to assemble in Cathedral Square before 10 o'clock. A few more cars are urgently required for ; the outing. A special train will leave Lyttelt'on to-morrow, bringing a guard from H.M.S. New Zealand with the Ensign flown at the surrender of the German Navy. The men will return by special train, leaving Christchurch at 11.15 a.m. H.M.S. New Zealand will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. to-morrow for inspection. Special trains will be run to Lyttelton and back between noon and 5 p.m.

. At the presentation of the White Ensign to the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral to-morrow, the public will be .admitted by the north and south porches, not later than 9.45 a.m.