VISIT OF NAVAL MEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 277, 23 November 1945, Page 4

VISIT OF NAVAL MEN

MORE BILLETS WANTED

In a response to an appeal made by the City Council lor private billets for 40 officers and men from British warships, which will visit Wellington between November 27 and December 4, 30 offers have been received from Wanganui people up to the present time.

The warships are the aircraft carrier Indefatigable and the destroyers Urchin and Wizard. They are under the command of Vice-Admiral Sir Phillip Vian, of “Cossack” fame. A further meeting of the Soldiers’ Reception and Eentertainment Committee was held yesterday for the purpose of considering a programe of entertainment for the men who will visit Wanganui. It was decided, however, that as more billets are still required a further appeal should be made immediately in order to obtain the quota. Offers of honorary membership of a number of local organisations are to be extended to the men. “Because of the insuflicient number of private billets it was not possible to complete the programme of entertainment as had been desired,” said the town clerk. Mr C. R. White, last night. “The committee will meet again next Monday unless in the meant me further word is received from the Department of Internal Affairs that the draft will arrive earlier than expected. Should this eventuate the meeting will be held before the week-end.”