Wellington New Zealand

The mountains of New Zealand took form out of the haze on the horizon a little after noon today. Coming into Wellington we bucked a terrific headwind – 81 knots – although the seas were relatively calm.

This land is the first thing I’ve seen since leaving San Francisco! Not even a ship for almost 8,000 miles.

Pilot was soaked by heavy seas coming aboard.

Docked about 7:30 p.m. and waited around until 10 before we were allowed to go ashore. We (Bill, John, Jack, and I) were the first ashore. The streetcar (tram) made a special run uptown for us, dropping us off at the Majestic Theatre, under which is the town’s only “nightclub.” Being the first ones there we were allowed in free and had “supper” on the house. Soon the Army started to trickle in, and before closing time (12) the place was full. The sergeants persuaded the orchestra to play until 2:30 and some of the enlisted men sang risqué songs for the audience. Left before it was over and went back to the ship.