THE ROYAL CRUISE

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1927, Page 1

THE ROYAL CRUISE

NEPTUNE AND HIS STAFF.

A GREAT JOLLIFICATION

[Australian & N.Z. Cablo Association

SYDNEY. Feb. 3

A wireless from H.M.S. Renown states Neptune’s revels, having always been the right of the lower deck, the ship’s company took full advantage of their privilege and swarmed over every point of vantage, sitting along the awning stays like enormous cranes among the barrels of the 15-in. guns, watching gleefully every item of the proceedings from the time Neptune and his consort boarded till the last novice had been initiated. Neptune boarded at nine and held court 011 the quarterdeck. surrounded )>v his consort, amphritrito, harbors, bears and doctors. He harangued the captain, the Yorks and otlieis. on the importance of the occasion. He refused to accept the York’s initiation aboard the liner, as not in order, and requested him to undergo it again, investing him at tho same time with tho order “Old Sea Dog.” A merry time followed. When the Duchess was invested by the amphritrito with the order of “Golden Mermaid,” other members of the Yorks’ staff wore likewise decorated. Karl Cavan was made “General of Horse Marines” and Lord Battorboe.

“flattened Kipper.” Other members of the ship’s company wore variously honoured. On the adjoining deck the initiation ceremonies proceeded with despatch. the Duchess and ladies lieing excused, on the intercession of the amphritrito, and wen l morclv sprinkled with sea water. The first ducked wore the Duke and Captain .Sullivan, who thereafter were presented with tho order “Skipped Sordini." Boih were faithfully dealt with and i igoi iiusly ducked to the bears accompaniment of roars of delight. They wore quickly followed liv the u hole ship s company from commander downwards. Tim commander’s appearance was the signal for cries of “Give him more,” from his delighted sailors. The 11111 increased apace, four novices being expeditiously treated at once. The acme of the day’s enjoyment was readied when at the request of the Duke the “mninhraee was spliced” and a tot of rum served to the whole companv.

After the strenuous morning the Hoyal Party joined the offices in-the ward-room for a Mated breakfast