JAPANESE WARSHIPS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2809, 29 June 1916, Page 6

JAPANESE WARSHIPS

RECEPTION' TO BE ACCORDED' IN : ' WELLINGTON. Arrangements are in hand to accord the officers and men of the two Japanese warships, Iwate and Azuma, a reception on their arrival here. In I'renjantle, Melbourne, and Sydney, the representatives of our Eastern Ally have been treated with marked hospitality, and the courteous manners and gentlemanly reserve of the officers has made them extremely popular in Australia. Whilst in Fremantle tho Japanese sailors were feted by the citizens of Perth, and the officers were entertained at dinner by the Premier. of Western Australia. On one occasion a party of 60 officers and .cadets attended a performance of Williamson's Opera Company, of which Mr. John Farrell (now in Wellington, as manager of the "Mother Goose" Company) was manager. Mr. Farrell describes Rear-Admiral Matsumura and his officers as charming gentlemen, who at once invite one's respect and regard: Among the officers wera u'any . who took part ia tho investment of Kiiiu-Chau (tlie German port in China) early' in the present war, and they wear a medal emblazoned with the Rising Sun, to mark their participation in that bombardment. On leaving Fremantle Kear-Admiral T. Matsumura wro.te to Mr. Farrell: "Will you please accept my hearty thanks for the courtesy and hospitality extended to myself and the officers and cadets under my command on the 'occasion'of our visit to Fremantle. It was n great pleasure to us to bo entertained in that way after long, monotonous cruising. I can assure you that we had a very pleasant time in Perth and Fremantle, and shall always retain very delightful recollections of our visit to' West- • em Australia." • .Mr. Farrell has already extended an invitation to. the Bear-Admiral and his officers to be present at thq pantomime to-morrow evening.-