ROUND THE WORLD TRIP

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2916, 30 July 1925, Page 4

ROUND THE WORLD TRIP

The following l is a further instalment of a series of articles to be written by the editor of this paper during his world tour: — After leaving Naples we touched at the first French port —Toulon. We anchored about a mile out and went ashore in a launch. Toulon is a naval base and the harbour contained quite a number of warships. We were not allowed to take our cameras ashore. We wended our way along the narrow cobbled streets, crowded with stalls. Our shopping was most interesting — gesticulating and bargaining. We made a mistake in not converting our English money into French coin. The French business people are very obliging —so different from the tradespeople in the other ports. A number of passengers left the ship here and proceeded to London via Paris-Gala is. On Monday 24th we arrived off Gibraltar. We did not go ashore hut boats come off with traders. We got a splendid view of the rock. The Spanish and Portuguese coasts wore very clear and we were able lo get a view of a number of the towns and historic castles, and could see the cultivated lands. We struck a fog in the Bay of Biscay and narrowly averted a collision with another steamer. On the 2Sth we arrived at Plymouth and the green fields of Old England presented a glorious spectacle. On our way to the anchorage a light: cruiser passed us at full speed and Intel 1 a torpedo boat discharged a couple of torpedoes—blanks—in full view of our ship and passengers. We anchored opposite Drake's monument at the spot whore history says he finished his game of bowls before attending to the Spanish Amarda. The green fields, trees, and hedges, to say nothing of the dignified buildings, was in marked contrast to anything previously seen. England lips the beam of all the places we have seen, if it wasn't for the wretchedly cold weather and yet this is supposed to be summer! We did not land at Plymouth. The trip up the channel did not take long and curly on the morning of the 29tli we entered the Thames and got a view of both shores. Plenty of ships and barges going and coming. We arrived oft!

Tilbury at about 0 a.in. and had to wait for the tide to get into the dock —2.30 p.m.! TPs marvellous how they manage to manouver steamers through such narrow passages. At long last we got to our wharf. We were fortunate that our inspection was over in less than two minutes, while others had their goods and clothes strewn out in all directions.. We got our baggage off to the station and on the train to Ilford. This is a fine lirtle town about half an hour in train from London —Ttd return, to London (third class), carriages equal to our first for comfort. Each carriage accommodates 12 passengers. We went to London yesterday—it’s a great city alright. Our first sight -seeing was St. Paul’s, Mb on the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abby; saw the Changing of the Guards, on lo the gates of Buckingham Palace, through St. .fame’s Park, on to the Bit/, Hotel ami Piccadilly—afternoon tea in Lyon’s—on the top of a bus through a maze of streets fo Liverpool station. IPs quite, good daylight at f) p.m. Our first experiences in London did not prove so bewildering as we had imagined it would. On June Ist we took the bus to London and we “did” Petticoat Lane and spent about three hours among the “yids,” who are not so bad as they arc painted. Of course Sunday morning is the most, interesting. 'On June 3rd we were in the crowd watching the trooping of the colours at Whitehall. A glorious day and a magnificent spectacle. We scooted along Pall Mall (pronounce “pell mell") and look up a position facing Buckingham Palace to obtain a. close glimpse of the King and members of the Koval family ami other notabilities among them Marshal Foch. Saw them till (the while chatting to three of the

London police of New Zealand) The King and Queen and subsequently came on to the balcony am bowed to the enormous crowd.

Each day is full of interest. The weather is delightful—not: one wet day .since we arrived in England—glorious sunshine and the sun can shine here, followed by twilight. Daylight saving obtains, and the clock is put back an hour, of course that makes a difference. From Loudon we wont to Evesham in Worcestershire —a glorious old village. The homes in Evesham are old English in lovely surroundings. One can travel miles through green avenues —all trees and grass are a deep shade of green —nothing parched —England is beautiful. \\’e strolled in the twilight to hear the nightengale sing—and heard it! People travel thousands of miles to hear this nocturnal songster, and it’s worth it. Nearby is where Simon de Mont fort fell and is buried. We have walked over the spot where the surface of the earth ran red with blood. Castles and churches are clotted aboutjeaeli of great historic interest. We went to Stratford and visited Shakespear’s house ami sat in las chair and to the tavern he frequented and sat- in his corner and partook of refreshment. Also had a look at Marie Correlli's house. We went to Worcester and visited the Royal Pottery works and watched the process of manufacture from the raw material lo the finished articles —even the iu list at work. The Worcester Cathedral is wonderfully interesting —saw the tomb of King John and manv others. We went back to

London and then on to Cardiff. ITow the trains travel, at times more than a mile a minute! We passed under the Severn (tunnel) before reaching Cardiff. We here visited the historic spots for miles around, and saw the grounds where the All Blacks played here, and at Newport. Cardiff has a population of a quarter of a million.