NAVAL PERSONNEL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 271, 16 November 1945, Page 4

NAVAL PERSONNEL

ARRANGEMENTS FOR WANGANUI VISIT

For the purpose of making arrangements for the private billeting and entertainment in Wanganui at an early date of some personnel from warships of the United States and Royal Navy, a meeting of the Soldiers’ and Reception and Entertainment Committee was held, yesterday. Cr. G. P. Hawkins presided. It was decided that an appeal to the citizens should be made forthwith by advertisement, for billets for 40 men on the occasion of each of the visits.

It was also decided that a representative of the Maori race should act on this committee in a co-opted capacity. It was further resolved that the committee meet again on Monday for the purpose of arranging a programme of entertainment for the visitors during their stay in the city. Subsequent to the meeting, the town clerk, Mr. C. R. White, received a telephone message from the Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, notifying that it would not now be necessary to make arrangements for the billeting and entertainment of personnel from the American flagship. as only two parties would be released for travel in the North Island during the ship’s stay In port. These parties would be few in number and one would visit Napier, while the other would travel to Stratford, leaving Wellin ’ton on November 22 and returning on the 24th.