CEASELESS ROUND

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 55, 2 September 1943, Page 4

CEASELESS ROUND

BUSY DAY AT AUCKLAND

HOSPITALS AND CLUBS

P.A. AUCKLAND, September 1. After days that had been crowded with engagements, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt returned to Auckland today and continued her tour, of friendship and' good will seemingly untired and unaffected by the strenuousness of her itinerary. From early morning till her appearance at a dance of the American Red Cross in the evening, she was almost constantly on the move, her only relaxation being for a short period in the afternoon. She met hundreds of American and New Zealand service personnel, talked to them and cheered them, leaving everywhere the impression of her interest in their well being. Not once did her enthusiasm leave her, nor did she ever appear fatigued, and in view of her busy programme it seemed reasonable to wonder whether she ever allowed herself any sleep. Mrs. Roosevelt travelled overnight by special train from Rotorua, reaching Remuera at 4 a.m., and later continuing to arrive at Auckland station at 8 a.m. Just before leaving Remuera she asked that the train crew be presented to her,, and this was done bythe general manager of railways, Mr. E. Casey, who was accompanying the train. VISITS TO HOSPITALS. Soon after her arrival in the city, Mrs. Roosevelt travelled by car to a large United States naval hospital iv the suburbs. A band of marines and hundreds of American" sailors in smart lines gave her a rousing greeting when she entered the parade square beneath an American flag which floated from a high mast. She acknowledged the salute and the gathering stood at attention for the playing of the American national anthem. Briefly she addressed the staff of the hospital in a recreation hut, and then set out on a tour of the numerous wards. Accompanied only by Mrs. Fraser, wife of the Prime Minister, and hospital officials, she went from bed to bed inquiring how patients were wounded or became ill, discussing their experiences in the fighting areas, and expressing the wish that they would soon be recovered. Several times she met men -who had served with her son, Colonel James Roosevelt, and she eagerly listened to the news that was told of him.

AUCKLAND, September 1

A brief visit to a hospital for convalescent American and New Zealand personnel followed. Nurses in snowy uniforms formed a guard of honour. A feature of this visit was the inspection of a ward where New Zealand Army and Air Force women personnel were recovering from illness. "Victory is coming our way," said Mrs. Roosevelt in acknowledging the efforts of the fighting men of both countries, in a speech in a V.M.C.A. hut. "I hope we will be able to help you after this war is over to build the kind of world that will make your sacrifices worth while. It is not enough to win the war, for we must win the peace, and to do that we must maintain the international friendships we have made in the days of war."

Informality was the keynote of the luncheon Mrs. Roosevelt partook of at the naval hospital she had previously visited: Mrs1.- Roosevelt's next engagement was a civic reception,! in the Town Hall. She then drove down Queen Street to visit the American Red Cross Club. Great crowds milled about as she descended from her car and she was cheered and applauded enthusiastically. Inside the club she met Red Cross workers and inspected alterations which are at present under way. An invitation to lay .a glass brick in a wall'that was being constructed was readily accepted.

Making her way through the dense crowds which had remained outside the building, Mrs. Roosevelt re-entered her car and left to inspect a rest home for American army officers. A visit to a similar institution which is being established for American naval and marine officers followed, and on both occasions she commented on the beautiful surroundings and outlook.

Her last engagement for the afternoon' was a visit to the Government House Servicemen's Club. Here Mrs. Roosevelt was met by the Mayor and Mayoress, and she showed great interest as she was conducted through the various rooms. Many hundreds of servicemen were, present and she was applauded at every turn. Later she posed for photographs amid a group of Americans and New Zeaianders. Mrs v Roosevelt had dinner .in the United States navy mess at the Grand Hotel. American and New Zealand official guests were'also present. She later attended the dance of the American Red Cross in the Town Hall. AT CIVIC RECEPTION. A friendlier welcome could hardly have been given, to Mrs. Roosevelt than the one §he received from the 3000 Aucklanders, mostly women, who attended the civic reception in the Town Hall, and the thousands more who gathered outside to see her arrive and depart. A platoon of soldiers helped the police and traffic officers to control the crowds that lined the street after" the last available seat in the hall had, been occupied, and no more people' were admitted. . - When she rose to reply .to the Mayor's speech in the hall Mrs. Roosevelt received loud and long applause. Speaking of New Zealand "hospitality to American servicemen, she said that those who were sent down from the islands were happy and glad to be here. It was after they left 'hospital that their gratitude had a personal touch, for she had been told that people had been taking them into their homes and keeping them for as much as two weeks, which was a long time to take in strangers.

"But the boys do not feel strangers at all," she added. "They are very far from home, and some of them have never been far from home before. You think of America no doubt as a land of big cities, but it is also a great agricultural country. Some of the boyshave never been out of their homes for a single night until they joined the army or navy. They are apt to be homesick, and they are very young."

Mrs. Roosevelt was loudly applauded at the close of her address, arid smiling faces greeted her at every turn as the official party left the hall; Crowds lining the street for nearly 200 yards watched her drive away.