LORD JELLICOE’S VISIT

Waikato Times, Volume 91, Issue 14174, 26 September 1919, Page 5

LORD JELLICOE’S VISIT

HIS TRIP TO ROTORUA. ROUSING RECEPTION EN ROUTE. EAGER CROWDS THRONG STATIONS Viscount and Lady Jcllicoc passed through Hamilton to-day ea route from Auckland to Rotorua, where they will spend a few days, returning to the city on Wednesday next. • At all the stations en route the Admiral and Lady .1 ellicoe were given rousing receptions by the assembled crow'ds, who pressed round the official carriage, eager to gain a glimpse of the great Sea Lord. At most of the stops the 'children of the iocal schools had been marshalled by their teachers, and both His - Lordship and Lady Jellicoe pre-

sented themselves on the 'carriage platform, from which they graciously conversed and shook hands with all who sought the honour, and, needless to say, they were kept very busy indeed.

His Lordship has a great fondness for children, being himself the father of live, and, realising the importance which the child mind attaches to such occasions, was anxious that all should have the opportunity of seeing him, irksome though it must be to be so continuously on exhibition. He conversed with the children, and his freTiuent grips soon transformed their awed expressions to one of merriment, and as the train drew out, the peal of childish hurrahs could be heard even above the lusty cheers of the older folk.

At several places His Lordship talked with returned soldiers and early war veterans and at Ngaruawahia Lady Jellicoe was presented with a beautiful bouquet by a small girl, with whom Her Ladyship shook hands and spoke a few kind words.

RECEPTION IN HAMILTON. The train conveying Lord Jellicoe and party arrived at Frank ton Junction about 1 p.m. to-day. A fairly large crowd had gathered, and the gallant sailormen were heartily cheered as they appeared on the platform. After lunch had been partaken of, the journey was resumed, the Admiral and Lady Jellicoe being again entlmsiasticallv cheered as the train pulled out. They ' smilingly acknowledged the plaudits of the crowd. At Hamilton the station platform was densely packed, and as the train drew in the party was cheered and cheered again. Soon kodaks were busily at work. Viscount and Ladv Jellicoe kindly posing for the eager snapshottors. 'They _ were also kept busily engaged in giving their autographs vo collectors. They chatted with many- people on the platform, and the Admiral was particularly interested in several men who proudly wore naval medals and ribbons. Small boys seized him by the hand, and no doubt will remember the clasp with pride all their days. Rady Jellicoe was presented with a bouquet of beautiful spring flowers by Miss S. Beil, on behalf of “Sonning” Girls’ School, which the recipient graciouslv acknowledged. v About 1.45 p.m. the train pulled out, To the accompaniment of ringing cheers, the Last glimpse obtained b;- r tiie crowd being of a -bronzed and smiling sailormnn, whose name has been blazoned over the world as one of the greatest heroes of the war. Although the gallant AdmTa 1 was accorded an enthusiastic welcome, it was quite unofficial, and on every hand ehuld be hoard unflattering comments regarding the absence of representative people. It is certainly much to the discredit of Hamilton that the distinguished visitor was not given a reception fitting to his personal record and that of the great British Navy, which he represents.

JUTLAND BATTLE

IS IT THE LAST? WHAT BRITISH ADMIRALS THINK. During a conversation which a representative Of the Waikato Times had with Viscount JclHeoe, en route for Rotorua to-dav. reference was made to the Battle of 'Jutland. Our representative asked His Lordship what he considered were the odds against Jutland being the last naval battle in the world’s history. The Admiral replied that the question was somewhat of a poser, and he considered that much depended on the success or otherwise of the League of Nations. Admiral Viscount Beatty, in answer to a similar question asked by our representative in London a couple of months ago, said be considered the odds 10 to 1 against.