H.M.S. CHATHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 February 1922, Page 4

H.M.S. CHATHAM.

VISIT TO NEW PLYMOUTH. ARRIVAL NEXT SUNDAY. STAY OF THREE DAYS. H.M.S. Chatham will arrive at Nev Plymouth next Sunday and will remair in port till the following Tuesday even ing. At a meeting of citizens on Sat urday night td diacuaa arrangements fo the entertainment of the officers air men while in port there was an at tendance of about twenty and th Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson) presided. The question of whether the Chathan would be berthed occupied the atten tion of the meeting at the outeet. Th Mayor said that unfortunately from th present viewpoint the deep sea bertl would be occupied by an overseas co! tier, which was due on Tuesday, and i was necessary that this boat should b discharged with promptitude in ord« that the work of the port would not to held up, as there was a cargo liner fol lowing to load meat. Whether th Chatham came alongside or not, how ever, they should recognise that she wa a flags))ip of the navy and that the ves sei was the first warship that had visit ed the port that was able to com alongside. The date of the visit wa somewhat inconvenient as it did no fall on a recognised holiday. It wa probable that the Chatham would be a New Plymouth most of Tuesday, as th next call was Wanganui and she woul< not need to leave until the evening. The Mayor said that it had been su£ gested that if possible a short mote drive might toe arranged for the visitor by those who owned cars. A visit t places in the immediate vicinity of Nei Plymouth by motor would be an admit able way of entertaining the crew. Th Chatham had about 250 men, of whoa about one half would probably be al lovred ashore, so that provision woul< have to be made nominally for betweei 120 and 140 men. NOT LIKELY TO BERTH.

Dealing with the question of berthing the ship. Mr. Newton King said the matter had been discussed by the Harbor Board and the members were very sympathetic. There were difficulties in the way, however. The City of Corinth, with coal to unload, was to be followed by a meat boat on March 3 or 5. He wished to make it clear from information received that day that he did not think there was the slightest chance of berthing the Chatham. However much this was to be regretted he thought they would agree they could not allow 1 the boats loading meat to be delayed. They had hard work to get liners to visit te port, and now that they were coming frequently they had to receive the consideration of the port authorities. The meeting then proceeded to consider suggestions for the programme. Mr. King stated that the Harbor Board was quite prepared to join in any reasonable expense in entertaining the officers and men, and he hoped the support of the townspeople would also be forthcoming. Mr. A. M. Mac Diarmid stated that the Returned Soldiers’ Club would be at the disposal of the men. and it was suggested that they might be entertained at afternoon tea in the club during their stay in town. The Mayor said any private hospitality would be welcome. He mentioned that it was proposed that the council should consider the question of giving the officers and men free passes on the trams. A committee was set up to go into the question of arrangements for the visit, the following being elected:—-The Mayor, Messrs. F. Watson, W. H. Skinner, A. McDiarmid, W. J. Penn, C. Carter, S. G. Smith, M.P., P. Stainton and G. Roper. The committee was empowered to add to its numbers and to act in conjunction with the members of the Taranaki County Council and the Harbor Board. ENTERTAINING THE CREW. The committee met after the general meeting. Mr. Skinner pointed out that Commander Hotham, of the Chatham* wat a son of Sir Charles Hotham, who took part in the Waitara campaign during the Maori war. He suggested that a visit to historic spots in the district should toe arranged for the benefit of the commander. Mr. King offered Io place a car at the disposal of the committee for this trip. It was decided that the officers be entertained by a motor trip viewing objects of interest, including a visit to the mountain house, where a luncheon will be held.

The question of providing a reception for the men was under consideration. The meeting considered that arrangements depended on what number* would be ashore and it was decided to communicate with the Minister for Defence asking him to ascertain how many of the personnel will be given shore leave while the ship is at anchor at New Plymouth. The meeting was accordingly adjourned till to-morrow night pending the receipt of the required information. Mayors and chairman of county councils in other parts of the province will be communicated with, notifying the date of the visit and stating that every facility will be given to any country children to visit the ship. During the discussion the question ot conveyance between the wharf and the ship was referred to, and it was that this could probably be coped wits by local motor launches, for which arrangements would have to be ma .e by the committee.