ENTERTAINMENTS

Gisborne Times, 1 October 1909, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

PATHE PICTURES.

Despite counter attractions. His Majesty’s Theatre was very well attended last evening, wffien the Pathe Picture programme was again shown. A novel item of the programme was a display of cutlass drill by a squad of men. from H.M.S. Prometheus. This it—n was very interesting, and received loud applause from those present. WEBB-ARNST~PICTURE.

The Webb-Arnst boat race picture is to be exhibited at His Majesty s Theatre to-night. The fact that Mr. Dick Arnst so generously postponed his opening till to-night so as not to clash with the hospital social, will no doubt ensure a crowded house at His Majesty’s Theatre to-night and to-morrow. Tim picture is said to be a magnificent one and well worthy of all that has been said about it. A matinee will be riven to-morrow afternoon, and another performance in the evening.

RECERVON AT l N LAN]); \ u. '• • , j , * j I"Putt PItEHS AUCKLAND, 3o P t. 30. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward and party arrived from Suva by H.M.S. Challenger about 10 a.m. to-day, after a good trip. The run from Suva was made in the quick tiipe of 90 hours. Light rail? fell during the forenoon, but it cleared off before midday, and the reception took place in fine weather, although slight showers fell towards its conclusion.

The Prime Minister landed from the warship at 3 o’clock, and a procession •was formed from the wharf to Albert Park. The shipping and city were decorated with bunting, and a large crowd of people assembled in the streets, along the water front, and at Albert Park. There was a good turn out of volunteers and cadets, the former lining a portion of the line of route of the procession of carriages. The veterans formed a guard of honor at the landing steps, and also at the Park, where severed thousand people had assembled. Sir Joseph Ward was welcomed by the Mayor, and presented with a handsome illuminated address. Sir Joseph, who was received with loud applause, expressed pleasure _at the excellent reception. In referring to what had takn place at the Defence Conference, he said that he had not swerved one iota from the principle laid down in the Dreadnought offer — viz., that New Zealand should attach herself emphatically to the British navj as part, and not as a section, of it. The construction of a local navy had an attractive aspect, but, would mean an expense altogether beyond the capacity of our country, even if its population was five or ten time s as great as at present. He spoke of the excellent object lesson which the Dreadnought offer had afforded to the Old Country. OEIc delivered a message from the King, in which His Majesty conveyed his best wishes for the future of New Zealand. The gathering concluded with cheer s for Sir Joseph and Lady Ward. The Prime Minister and other Ministers will leave fo r Wellington tomorrow night.

AN INTERVIEW. Sir Joseph Ward, in the course of an interview to-day, said that leaving New Zealand as he did on the IBth June, he had in the short space of 102 days encircled the globe. Out of that period 26 days were spent in London, and the balance (76) in travel. There had been no stop on the road home from the day of liis arrival in Sydney until joining the train in Marseilles for the steamer there, and indeed until his arrival in London. It has been an unbroken travel. The work connected with the Conference was completed only late on the evening of the 20th August, and the following morning at 10 o’clock he left by train to join the steamer Campania at Liverpool, sailing that afternoon for New York. He spent one day in Montreal to meet by appointment the British Ambassador to America, who had travelled a very long distance through America to see him there. A couple of days were spent at Ottawa, where an opportunity was afforded of discussing public matters with Sir Wilfred Launer. On the road to Vancouver a stay of one night was made at the Niagra Falls, this being the only diversion, and that for a short period 'of three hours only. In the whole journey, from the beginning of the trip until its completion, the greatest interest was taken in the representative of New Zealand, and many courtesies were extended to him. This Sir Joseph Ward naturally took as a compliment to the people of New Zealand, expressed through himself. Upon arrival at Fiji a short stay of a couple of hours only was made, and the Challenger was then joined, an immediate start being made for New Zealand. Every effort wa s made by Sir Joseph Ward to get back earlier, but the work of the Conference, highly important as it was, rendered it impossible for him to leave London, sooner than he did. AUCKLAND TO BE THE NEW ZEALAND NAVAL BASE.

Auckland will he the base for the seven vessels which are to be stationed in New Zealand waters. Sir Joseph Ward stated to-night that this had been decided upon. The geographical position of this port and the fact that an up-to-date naval equipment has been installed at the Calliope dock being, of course, responsible, for this decision. These vessels, Sir Joseph Ward stated, will he almost constantly in New Zealand waters, and young New Zealanders would have an opportunity of gaining a naval training on our own ships in much the same way that it was now given on the ships of the Australasian squadron.