JAPANESE WARSHIPS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2814, 4 July 1916, Page 6

JAPANESE WARSHIPS

YESTERDAY'S DOINGS

BIG CROWD ON THE AZUMA

Owing to the necessity of having to coal the flagship livate yesterday, the public were not allowed on board, only thone having special business being permitted to ascend tho gangway, at which a strong guard was posted. So it was tho Azuma which had to do the honours yesterday, and all day long, but particularly in-the afternoon, there was a very big attendance of tho public-, who were made very welcome by tho broadly-smiling crew. One officer, who was asked if the names of tho warships had any particular meaning, sa.id that Iwafe (that of the flagship) was tho name of a, mountain in Japan, famous in legend and story among the Japanese. Azuma. meant in Japanese my wife. "That's a funny name," said tho officer laughing, "but I do not know if officers be hen-pecked, though fond of ship!" Who will say the Japanese lack a sense of humour after such a sally ? . A Visit to Trentham, Accompanied by the Minister of Defenco (the Hon. James Allen), BrigadierGeneral Sir Alfred Robin, Colonel C. M. Gibbon, General- Henderson, and a few sta.ff officers, Rear-Admiral Hatsumura and about thirty officers were motored out to Trentham by members of tho Motor Service Corps during yesterday forenoon. There the party was lunched by Colonel Potter (Camp Commandant), and after lunch the Defence Minister proposed tlie health of His Imperial Majesty the Mikado of Japan in fitting terms, the visitors singing their own National Anthem in- honour of, the head of their nation. Then the Rear-Admiral proposed the health of His Majesty King George, tho National Anthem being sung with great heartiness by all present. Later the Rear-Admiral proposed' tho health of "Tho Nevr Zealand Army," and expressed, in graceful terms, the hope that it would always he successful in the field. During the visit of the Japanese officers the camp was thoroughly inspected, the visitors showing great interest in the camp. On one occasion one of our officers suggested that a Japanese officer should .not go into the trenches, as they were very wet and muddy, but the visitor replied that he must go, as it was part of his experience, and with that ho took off his gloves, tucked up the bottoms of his trousers, and dived into the trench to see all that was to be seen. The party returned to town after lunch, arriving back at the Clyde Quay Wharf at about 2.30 p.m.:

Morning Tea at Kelburn. •At the invitation of the directors of the Kelburn-Karori Tramway Company about fifty junior officers of the' training squadron were entertained at morning tea yesterday in the Kelburn kiosk. The guests were received by the chairman of directors (Mr. R. M. Simpson), and a most enjoyable hour was spent round the tea-tables. The Japanese visitors sang their National Anthem, a naval march song and chorus, and also "God Save the King." Miss Dall and a party of young ladies also provided vocal entertainment for the visitors, who were thoroughly appreciative of the hospitality shown them. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Lulcc) was among those present. A Tramway Jaunt. Some hundreds of Japanese sailors were taken all round the City and suburbs, in special tramcars yesterdav morning. They visited Wadestown, Lyall Bay, and Island. Bay and Oriental Bay, and appeared to thoroughly enjoy tho outing. Japanese National Flower. Most generally is it .assumed that the chrysanthemum is the national flower of Japan. Though that family is grown to perfection, in the Land of the Rising Sun, it is not the nation's floral emblem. That honour is held by the cherry blossom. Note the design of the officers' buttons and cap badges. The anchor' denotes tho service, and below tho anchor is always a miniature cherry blossom worked in gold thread or gilt. This is also the emblem that appears on their arms and elsewhere on the warships in port—a constant reminder of the country that is never more charming in its lure to foreigner and native than in "cherry-blos-som time."

Reception To-morrow. . Invitations aie being issued to a. reception to be given by Rear-Admiral Matsuraura and. the officers of the Iwate tomorrow afternoon. Elaborate preparations are being made by the visitors for the entertainment of their guests. All day yesterday live turf and cartloads of greenery were being ta.ken on board the flagship for the decoration of thoso parts of the vessel that will lie used "for the reception. Among the noveltios to Tm exhibited will be an extremely cleverlybuilt working model of a typical Japanese house, with its prettily-tiled roof, broad verandahs, L and • "shoji"—the framed paper walls, which slide open at a touch, and are equally suitable for winter and summer weather. Visit to Featherston. To-day about 100 officers and cadets will proceed by special) train to Featherston, whore, after a visit to the camp, they will be motored round the country by Wairarapa residents who are interested in the visit of tho representatives of our Eastern ally. General Notes. ' This evening the Rear-Admiral and his staff will dine at Bellamy's, and this evening they will. be the guests of the Wellington Club.. . To-morrow' afternoon and evening the Mayoress and a committee of ladies will entertain the men of tho fleet at tlio Town Hall. The Tramways and Trentham Band tiro to attend, and the band of the flagship Iwate will also lend their aid.