FRENCH RECRUITS FROM TAHITI

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2800, 19 June 1916, Page 6

FRENCH RECRUITS FROM TAHITI

9 SQUAD ARRIVES BY MOANA. Tho San Francisco mail boat Moana did not arrive here until betwecn-5 and B p.m. on Saturday, though her due date was Thursday, according to timetable. The result of her late arrival means that her mails for Australia will have to be sent on by the steamer leaving Auckland this evening, and her through passengers will have to wait for next Thursday's steamer. Among tne passengers to arrive were a squad of 76 Franco-Talritian troops, in ohargo of Mr. Stilz, a Papeete business man, who lias been summoned to the colours. These men aro en route to Noumea, where they are to complete their training before going on to France. Most of the men are trim-built, smartlooking Tahitians. The local consularagent for France (Mr. James Macintosh) had made arrangements to supply the men with warm underclothing on their arrival, sucli being needed after the warm Island climate. As soon as they donned their new clothes, the Mayor (Mr. J. P. 'Luke), who was on the wharf to welcome the men, marched with them to the Alexandra Barracks in Buckle Street, where they . are being accommodated until the Sydney boat leaves. After they had dinner, they ware taken to the King's Theatre to see a splendid programme of pictures, the secretary of the company (Mr. E. J. Righton) making the visitors lvis guests, a courtesy that was much appreciated. . The Mayor afterwards entertained the visitors ai supper in Godber's Rooms. He communicated with Councillor John Hutchcson (a French linguist), and the latter brought along a gramophone, which, with songs, native and patriotic, served to make the evening a memorable one to the Islanders. Councillors Wright and Godber also assisted the Mayor to entertain tho strangers. . .

Between now and Thursday the' visitors will be afforded an opportunity of seeing something of Wellington by observation car.

Lieut. Gentry looked after the interests of tho strangers on behalf of the Defence Department. On tlie invitation of the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) the recruits attended the Central Mission at Everybody's Theatre last evening. There was a large audience, and it enjoyed the addresses of the speakers, including the Rev. Knowles-Smith.

The men were addressed by their own chaplain, who is unable to speak English, and at the conclusion of the gathering the visitors sang. the "Marseillaise in their native tongue, and in response the hosts rendered "God Save tho King." The Mission Band 1 played the visitors, ■who were the subject of much attention to the theatre and back to Buckle Street, on account of their fine physique.