The Spanish Training Ship.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4707, 27 July 1893, Page 2

The Spanish Training Ship.

The members of the Christchurch Committee of Welcome, accompanied by Mr P. Arenas, Spanish Vbe-Consul, paid a visit to the Spanish training ship Nautilus, ab Lyttelton, yesterday, and were hospitably entertained by Captain Villaamil and hiß officers. On arrival at Port the mem* bers of the party were met by Captain Clark, the harbourmaster, and conducted on board the tug Lyttelton, which had been placed at their disposal by the Harbour Board, and immediately taken to the vessel, where they were received by Captain Villaamil and his officers. The crew were drawn up to receive tbem, and after the ship had been inspected, an adjournment was made to the officers' mess-room, where light refreshments were served. The Mayor of Lyttelton, on behalf of the residents of tbat Rorough, welcomed the Spaniards to the Port, and said that the residents would do all they could to make the visit a pleasant one. The Mayor of Christchurch assured [ Captain Yillamil of a hearty reception when he and his officers came to Christchurch, and said the citizens would do all in their power to make the visitors welcome. Mr Waymouth welcomed the visitors on behalf of the Harbour Board, and said that all the facilities at the Board's command would be placed at the disposal of the ship, Mr Arenas returned thanks on behalf of Captain Yillamil. He remarked that that officer had been commissioned by the Spanish Government to purchase a suitable vessel for a training ship, and the Nautilus was his selection entirely. The Captain was agreeably surprised at the hearty welcome he had everywhere received, and was very favourably impressed with the Colonies. He would be glad to visit New Zealand again, and expressed a hope that the friendships formed during the present cruise would help to further cement the friendship at present existing between Great Britain and Spain. Three hearty cheers were then given for Captain Yillamil. As the party left the vessel in the tug a salute of five guns was fired from the Nautilus, to which hearty cheers were returned. At 1.30 p.m. to-day Colonel Gordon and the officers ot the Volunteer oompanieß paid an offloial visit to the ship. This evening the officers will be present at the Musical Society's concert in the Oddfellows' HaU. To-morrow evening a citizens' ball will be given in their honour at the Provincial Council Chambers. The gathering promises to be most brilliant, and a large number of tickets have been sold. On Monday evening the officers will be entertained by the Savage Club, and a number of other amusements have been arranged during their stay, which will extend over about four weeks.