HECTIC PARTY.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 386, 18 March 1937, Page 7

HECTIC PARTY.

Germans Entertain in London London, February 27. Four hundred workmen went to a party in exclusive Carlton House Terrace last night as guests of the German Ambassador, Herr von Ribbentrop, and his wife. Half of the guests were British; half were German. It was the maddest, merriest party Carlton House Terrace has seen. In Germany they call it “Richfest,” a celebration given by the owner of a house undergoing repairs for the workmen and their employers. The German Embassy Is being reconstructed. Herr von Ribbentrop sat beneath a huge, garlanded photograph of Hitler, in a room hung with flags bearing the Nazi swastika. Around him were the distinguished members of his staff. Guests of honour seated on either side of him were Mr F. E. Beech, foreman of the English company working at the Embassy, and Herr Hopen, foreman of the German firm.

A meal of knuckle of pork, sauerkraut and potatoes was washed down with German beef. Then the Ambassador made a speech in German. The British workmen, who did not understand a word of it, cheered for two minutes. Then the Ambassador made a speech in English. The German workmen, who did not understand it, cheered lustily, too. Both Anthems. At the far end of the unfinished room in wiiich the party took place Frau von Ribbentrop chatted to British workmen dressed in their Sunday

best. Everyone sang the German National Anthem. Everyone sang the British National Anthem. The Germans gave the Nazi salute; the Englishmen cheered. After the speeches the party really began. British workmen danced hornpipes in odd corners of the Embassy. German workmen sang national songs. One English workman produced a mouth-organ. Between them they sang everything from “Tipperary” to “Two Lovely Black Eyes.” Within the first hour ten barrels of beer had been drunk. By the end of the evening 300 gallons had gone down British and German threats.