ENJOYING VISIT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 731, 2 August 1929, Page 11

ENJOYING VISIT

TOURVILLE MEN PRAISE AUCKLAND PARTY FOR ROTORUA The men of the visiting French cruiser Tourville are loud in their appreciation of the hospitality being extended to them in Auckland. The round of festivities ashore and afloat, commenced on the arrival of the vessel, continues unabated. POMMANDER J. 11. p. DE BRONAC DE VAZELHES, second in command on the Tourville, is a busy man today. The commander, Captain J. M. C. Abrial, left this morning on a visit to the thermal regions, and until his return Commander Vazelhes is in command of the vessel. A party of 12 officers and Mr. D. Ardell, of the New Zealand Government Internal Affairs Department, accompanied Captain Abrial. The party left by motor-car at 9.30 a.m„ and lunched at Hamilton. On Saturday evening a Maori welcome will he held at Rotorua, and on Sunday the men will return to Auckland. Last evening the party which visited the Waitomo Caves returned to Auckland by motor-car. All expressed delight at the wonders of the caves, and the trip generally. Every afternoon from 200 to 300 men are granted shore leave, and they too are high in their praise of the sights Auckland has to offer. A party was conducted round the city by motor-cars provided by the Auckland Automobile Association yesterday afternoon, and a further party was taken out today. Private visitors to the cruiser this morning Included members of the Auckland branch of the Victoria League, the Auckland Rotary Club, the Auckland Automobile Association, and the Auckland Club. Arrangements havo been made for school members of the Navy League to be shown over the vessel on Monday afternoon next. MAY NOT FLY Tt Is now considered unlikely that the planes of the Tourville will be seen in flight over the Waitemata Harbour, for the injured foot of the aviation officer, Lieutenant J. M. G. Bellando, although making good progress, may not be completely better before the vessel leaves Auckland. The vessel will depart from Auckland up to time on Wednesday next, as the officers have been invited to a viee-Regal reception in Wellington on Thursday. For that reason, also, the Tourville will not move to Western Wharf at Auckland to take on oil fuel. She will replenish her bunkers at Wellington before departing for Australia. The “At Home” at the Auckland Club yesterday was largely attended by the officers of the vessel —all those not on watch being present. They express delight at the hospitality accorded them. A score of French petty officers and sailors was entertained at a smoke concert by the League of Frontiersmen last evening. Captain R. Gordon presided and toasts were proposed by Captain d’Esterre and Quartet-master-sergeant Long. Messrs. Harris, Robinson, F. E. Corp and Captain K. Woods gavej»usicul numbers. WAITOMO VISITED OFFICERS ENTERTAINED (From Our Own Correspondent) TE KUITI, Today. Aparty of eight officers from the French cruiser Tourville paid a visit to the Waitomo Caves on Wednesday. Mr. C. FT. Furlong, of the Department of Internal Affairs, accompanied the party through the caves. The visitors were greatly impressed with the unique formations found in these limestone caves. Tho officers were met by representatives of tho Te Kuiti and Otorohanga Returned Soldiers’ Associations, and addresses were given by Messrs. J. C. Rolleston, patron, J. T. K. Dodds, president of the Te Kuiti R.S.A., and Mr. B. Boles, Otorohanga R.S.A. Mr. Rolleston in the course of his remarks mentioned that when the main New Zealand Division was nearing Port Said, the troopships had passed a French warship in the Red Sea. The bluejackets lined up on the deck and sung the Marseillaise. Commander Vazeles said he could recall tho incident quite well, as he had been in command of the warship to which Mr. Rolleston referred. In the evening a most successful dance was held at the Waitomo Caves Hall, some 200 visitors from Te Kuiti, Otorohanga and Pio Pio being present to welcome the French sailors. Mr. Stubbs, on behalf of W'aitomo residents, officially welcomed the visitors. After spending the night at the hostel, the party left at 9 u.m. yesterday for Auckland.