H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 280, 22 August 1919, Page 7

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND

MEN ATJLUNCIIEON GATHERING AT TOWN HALL The Town Hall presented a very gay appearance yesterday, when • some* 500 petty officers and sailors were entertained at luncheon by the Citizens'' Reception and Entertainment Committee. As a, sort of "appetiser" the men marched from the ship to tho Town Hall via Willis Street, Manners Street, and Lower Cuba Street. Headed by tho ship's pipe band, the procession looked very fine, and the men wore received ivitli enthusiasm on the route. They arrived at the Town Hall about 1 p.m., and in very quick. time wero seated at the various tables. A most excellent luncheon was provided, and included quite a variety of choice dishes and fruits which are not ordinarily; allowed for in the British seaman's •ration scale. Tho function u-as a huge success, and the treat was thoroughly enjoyed by every one of the big part)'. Quite ii feature of the luncheon was tfic tasteful floral decorations of the tables, which, with their spotless white tablecloths and abundance of good tilings, looked especially tempting. During the course of the luncheon Mr. Prank Crowther's orchestra dispensed musical items.

Befo.ro the men commenced their attack on the viands they were addressed briefly by the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke), who said that the citizens of AVcllington wished them well and trusted that they would have an enjoyable stay while here. . "Now," concluded Mr. Luke, "you are on side." And the men soon showed that they took the Mayor at his word.

After the luncheon had concluded, Chief Bo'sun Wilkinson, on behalf of tho petty officers and men of the New Zealand, Tose and thanked tho ladies for the hospitality which had teen ex : tended to the sailors. He said that the men had greatly enjoyed themselves and wero. pleased beyond expression at what liad been done for them". Referring to tho crew of the battle-cruiser, lie said they were not the original complement that had fought the ship during tho course of the war. but they represented every branch of the service from submarines to battleships. The welcome that had been accorded the men by the children on Wednesday, he declared, had touched the hearts of them all. "I n>» not a sentimental man myself," remarked the speaker, "but when I heard the cheering, of those hundreds of children, and saw their waving flags it brought tears to my eyes, and to many others on the ship." To be in the Navy, lie added, was not to lie on a bed of roses, for in time of war it meant a great deal of self-sacrifice, and 'at most times separation from their homes, of which they wero all deeply fond.

At the conclusion of Chief Bo'sun "Wilkinson's remarks the men gave three ringing. cheers for the Indies, indorsing their vociferous sentiments with musical honours, including the ditty, "For They Are Jolly Good, Fellows."

The Mayoress, under whose direction the ladies had attended to the wants of the men, then made a little speech in which she hanked the Tars for the manner in which tliey had showed their appreciation of the entertainment provided.

Some excellent exhibitions of hornpipe dancing, to the accompaniment of the bagpipes, and the hearty singing of several well-known choruses, brought a very cheerful gathering to an end. The remainder of the patty officer* and men of the warship will be provided with luncheon at tho Town Hall to-day, after which tho whole of the ship's company will take part ill a sports meeting at the Basin Reserve, at which His Excellency tho Govorm'ir-G'en-eral and Admiral of the Fleet Viscount Jellicoo havo been invited to be present.

COAL SUPPLIES. H.M.S. New Zealand will take in some 2000 tons of bunker coal on her return to Wellington from Lyttclton.

ADMIRAL'S VISITORS' BOOK. Tho visitors' book of the Admiral of tho Fleet, Viscount Jellicoo of Scapa, G.C.H., 0.M., G.C.V.U., and Visoountesn Jeilicoc, lias been placed at Government liouso .for the convenience of visitors who wish to inseribo their names therein. A NIGHT WITH THE "ORPHANS." • To-morrow evening His Excellency Hie Governor-General will attend tho Orphans' Club, which will also have as guests of honour Admiral of_ the Fleet, Viscount Jelliooc and his stall'. Colonel J. J. Esson will preside.

H.M.S. New Zealand lias been connected with the telephone. Her number is 2G25.