ENTERTAINING CREW AND OFFICERS

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 40, 16 August 1919, Page 9

ENTERTAINING CREW AND OFFICERS

MEETING OF THE .COMMITTEE.

Matters in relation to the visit of, H.M.S. New Zealand were discussed at a meeting of tho Citizens' Entertainment Committee, presided over by the Mayor, yesterday afternoon.

The Mayor, in opening the meeting, said the entertainment fund totalled at present £1061.. which would be spent entirely upo- tho entertainment of the men of the ship. Tho men, he added, would be given luncheon on two days at the Town Hall, aad, in addition, observation cars would be placed at their disposal. He hoped, too, that the proprietors of places of entertainment would give, through the committee, special facilities to the men to attend their shows. Referring to the citizens' ball, Mr. Luke said that at present some 68 double ticekts had been sold. " There has been some comment in the city," continued Mr. Luke, " in regard to the figure at which the prioe of the tickets has been fixed. I give way to no one in regard to the need for the display of a democratic spirit in regard to these functions, but in order, to maintain the prestige of the city, and to do proper honour to tho guests, a considerable expenditure is necessary." Mr. Luke explained, therefore, that as the ball must, of necessity, be self supporting, the price of tickets had to be high. In conclusion, he said that while it would be nice to declare a holiday for the day of the arrival of the ship, he wished to point out that the number of holidays given lately had been a strain upon business men. For that reason he did not feel justified in asking them .to observe a half-holiday, hut instead ho trusted to tho people to turn out spontaneously and give the visitors a proper welcome. ■Mr. Barry Keesing explained that it was difficult to . decide when to enter.tain the sailors at lunch until it was known when the civic reception would be given to the Admiral. He added that after the first luncheon a sports' gathering would be held, and after the second luncheon a football match' would be played. Mr. Duncan and Mr. Whyte explained the position in regard to the ball, which, they felt, would be one •of tTTe most successful ever held in Wellington. Mr. Whyte pointed out that, although it was true that the tickets actually paid for totalled at present 68 the applications had shown that the ball was going to be very largely attended. He felt that there was no fear of a deficit.

Mrs. F. Dyer said various motoristhad offered to place their cars at the dispooal of the visitors.-. She suggested also that a number of motor-lorries should be secured for the purpose of taking the men on trips into the country. One trip she~ suggested was to Trentham, so that the sajlors might see where New Zealand soldiers v. ere trained ; incidentally the visit, she thought, would prove a tonic to the soldiers in hospital- there.

The conveners of various committees having reported to the meeting, the Mayor said that any suggestions made would receive careful .consideration. The meeting then closed.

Offers of hospitality for any of the men belonging to H.M.S. New Zealand will be gladly received by Mrs. Darling, care of P.O. Box 972, Wellington. # Any citizens, 'who would like to entertain the sailors in their own homes, or give entertainments for them, should notify to that effect at oneo, as a full programme is now being made out, and it is hoped to give the men a thoroughly happy time while in Wellington. If people would like a, sailor-guest from any particular part of tho United Kingdom, this should be mentioned.