THE NAVAL VISITORS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 10457, 25 July 1925, Page 5

THE NAVAL VISITORS

MARCH IN MELBOURNE.

SPECTATORS WAIT THREE HOURS CROWDS BREAK: THE RANKS. (Per Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 9.15 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. Despite the bad weather and the fact that the procession of sailors and marines was not due to start till 12.30, thousands of spectators had taken up positions in the main streets by nine o'clock, and latecomers were hardly able to obtain even a glance at the marching sailors. Even the guests of tho Commonwealth at the saluting base were in their positions a good two hours before the procession was due to pass. Before the final section had got level with the Governor-General (Lord Forster) the crowds had jostled their way through and the last unit bad to struggle to keep even a semblance of formation, some people actually getting between the ranks of the bandsmen. . Official calls were made by the Admiral on the Prime Minister, State Premier, and other officials, who returned the calls on the Seattle later in the afternoon, .and in the evening the senior officers of the fleet were entertained at dinner by the Governor. It is estimated 7 that over 300,000 people gathered at vantage points along 90 miles of the bay front to welcome the Fleet. Admiral Coontz's squadron comprises 44 vessels, of various tonnage, and it took nearly two hours for the whole Fleet to pass the Heads. The journey up the bay, following on the heels of the pilot, was very slow, owing to the mudbanks ,and other dangers. The monster flagship Seattle had to do considerable' manoeuvring before she was berthed at Princess Pier, Port Melbourne. It was late afternoon before the Admiral landed.to pay official calls. Subsequently 4000 men were given shore leave, and invaded the city at night, enjoying themselves freely, but the full welcome, which Sydney was unable to give the parading Navy yesterday, was reserved for to-day. SAILORS' BRAWLS IN SYDNEY. CELEBRATING FIRST LEAVE. SYDNEY, July 24. The American "Jack ashore" failed to impress Sydneyites favourably. Perhaps it was due to a small minority, but there were many regrettable brawls and cases of drunkenness on the first free day the visitors experienced.