THE SQUADRON.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1924, Page 4

THE SQUADRON.

AIiKIVAL AT AI’CKLAND. AUCKLAND, May I<>. The Waitemata this morning was not altogether the sparkling water that Aucklanders an* so wonl to bring to the notice of visitors to these shores, lull what the visitors were denied was made in) to residents when the Imperial Service S.|Uadron arrived here, for out of the misty distance merged the mighty bulk of the Hood and the llepnl.se. symbolic of the evolution ot the British Navy from the mists of Britain’s early history. Nature was more than usually kind in her affinity with humanity, or Auckland’s welcome, was typified by a burst of sunshine that greeted the llood s arrival. To descend from Hyperbole to reality the morning broke wet. but as nine o’clock, tlni hour of the arrival of the Delhi approached, the clouds lilted until the mist obscured the distant view, and as the Hood berthed the sun shone out. An hour later the Repulse, ac-

companied by the cruisers Danae, Diagon and Adelaide, dropped anchor in the stream, the other two vessels having berthed at Prince’s Wharf. Shortly afterwards a heavy .Jmwer welcomed the visitors, hut as the day wore on conditions improved until the late afternoon was perfect.

Thousands of spectators lined every I'romiucuec in the city and cvcrv lofty building bad its quota of sightseers on the r'lof. Hundreds went d iwn the lmrliniir bv .steamer to catch a glimpse of the visitors, in something like seagoing order. A noteworthy feature ol the welcome, articulated by the din of sei and shore whistles, was a procession of yachts and launches, which Admiral Field at the civic reception described as a very beautiful and inspiring sight.

To sum iin. except that Auckland had the llood and Repulse, and the four cruisers. Auckland’s welcome, compared with that of the rest ot the Dominion, win* as Admiral Kick! said. 11l an interview oil-oil. bill it was not in ii-lvlion to well-rum—, lint of harbour-. that Admiral Fe-.M told an elaboration of the joke about out horse to om* rabbit in a certain comestible. Admiral Brand neallv capped his senior's reference to Auckland and Wellington Iv 1 inning in (license of Auckland and Fyticllon an elephant for a horse.

Tln-re was :i swir.' of -|> mtane-ui.i onlhilsin-m :\l the Town Hall si 1 the civu- i coopt i< i:i id Af! its i I - i'li M nut! ]!ra:itl nil. l ihcir nfli<-cr*. Tin- Mayo'r, (Mi- Munson). iin-siil nl and Mr Massey mid the lien ('. -I. I’d''. - were present. A timin’! Field. in reply. tom-lied hrioilv mi ill.- question d 1 iln- vrnlo;-- ; linn d 1 li.-nit- mules. ni dealt wiili l.y him in .-pi-crhes :ind interviews ;it \Yel1i i v-1 m. Ad'nirul Urn lid :-:iid tlml ndirors and men had 1.-ni-n grt-ntlv impressed b.v tin- ml -■ n-.'- patriotism. loyalty and cii-thmia-m In - iln- Mi.lln-r Country shown nl every n irl.