SAILORS VISIT OTAKI

Chronicle (Levin), 26 August 1947, Page 2

SAILORS VISIT OTAKI

Some 108 officers and ratings from the air'craft carrier Theseus and destroyer Cockade visited Otaki yesterday and spent a very enjoyable afternoon. They arrived shortly before noon and were met and welcomed by MajorGeneral R. Young (in the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, Mr. C. F Atmore) , Cr. E. T. Bartosh and Mr. A. Wilson (town clerk) . . On entering the marae they were met by a party of Maoris, who accorded them the usual welcome. The Rev. Paora Temuera then extended a welcome, stating that all were pleased to be given the oportunity of according the visitors a welcome, while at the same time he regarded it an honour to meet men of the Navy. All knew of their fame and had heard much of them, and now that day they had the pleasure of meeting them. In the words of the Maori, "Haeremai, haeremai," he again greeted them amidst applause. Mr. Utiku Hapeta, with Mr. RCarkeek as interpreter, a,ccorded the visitors a welcome, stating that the natives had pleasure in having them at the marae. They were all

pleased to meet the guardians of the sea, of the Empire as a whole, and it was nice to know that they had been able to make the trip in the days'of peace. Mr. Utiku spoke of the visit of the Ramilles and the Indefatigable. He wished all a pleasant time during their stay in New Zealand, and trusted the voyage home would prove a pleasant one. He asked that the best wishes of Otaki be taken on the return to the Homeland. General Young, as Deputy-

Mayor, after apologising for the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, stated that it was with pleasure that he welcomed the visitors and assured them Otaki would do its best to entertain them despite their brief stay. "Good luck to you all," was the ardent wish of the 'speaker. Lieutenant Bray stated that it was with pleasure that he and his men had been enabled to visit Otaki. He regretted that their stay would only be a brief one. It was their first trip to Otaki and they had enjoyed it. One bus had come over the hill l and others had come via the I coastal road, but would return dif'ferent ways so that they might all enjoy different views. Mr. Beresford, of the Internal Affairs Department, was in charge of the visitors, making ! all the arrangements, while Lieutenant Bray was the officer in command. He was accompanied by Lieut. Barr, Warrant-OfRcer Green, War-rant-Officer Gray and Midshipman Pooles. After luncheon, supervised' by Mrs. Royal, and greatly enjoyed. the officers and men viewed the town with its historic church, etc., after which all returned to the marae, where they were again greeted by Mr. Carkeek, director of ceremonies, who stated that a Maori programme had been arranged for the benefit of the visitors. Action songs, poi dances and a pianoforte solo by one of the visitors were given, followed by "God Save the King," the Maori farewell song and a waltz on the green.