THE FLEET.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18460, 14 August 1925, Page 11

THE FLEET.

HAPPY BRIDES. WIVES OF AMERICAN SAILORS. VISITORS FROM SYDNEY. 'vSfECUI. TO ''THE TSESS."' AUCKLAND. August 13. do not mind where we go so lone; as our luibbie.s are nearby.'' four Australian girls—at least they were Australians a little time ago—littered the words in a thorns to-day as they gazed admiringly from the decks of the Ulimaroa at the Fleet anchored in the harbour. The girls are now citizens of the United States, because all four married American sailcTs in •Sydney. Judging by their unbounded happiness, they will never regret their choice. The ladies decided to c-ouic to Auckland to spend a fortnight with their husband*. As the Ulimaroa drew alongside the whnrf it was at once been that their arrival was not unexpected. Not only were the husbands there to meet thcin, bub hundreds o[ their comrades as well. Once the girls were singled out, the excitement both on the wharf and on the ship v. a.s unlimited. "Good old Sydney! Good old Australia!" shouted the sailors in one voice, proclaiming that, the visit- to Australia, will long remain in their memories. Two or three of the sailors created amusement by drinking; imaginary toast-s to the brides. Soon the gangway was down, and in no time the girls were in the arms oi' their '■Jaokies." Tho brides stated that when the .Fleet left Auckland they would proceed back to Sydney, to await the discharge of their husbands from the Navy. One of the bridegrooms is a iirst-class electrician. another a baker, another a. coxswain, and the other a sailmaker. When the men .ore discharged it is the intention of the wives to journey to the United States to join tiiein. One bride said there were over a hundred brides in Sydney await>inp the discharge of their men. Most of them will settle down in the United (States, while some will remain in Australia, where their husbands will eventually reside.

A JS T IGHT ASHORE. GALE SWEEPS AUCKLAND. STRANGE BEDS AND COVERINGS. (PEfSS ASSOCIATION* TELEGRAM) AUCKLAND, August 13. A fierce easterly gale prevailed all last night. The sea was so rough that the warship Vboats were able to convey only a comparatively small number of the officers and men due aboard. Nearly two thousand officers and men, in addition to those on shore leave, had to be accommodated. The emergency was well met at the Y.M.O.A, and the shelter- sheds on the wharf. One hundred and fifty beds at the Y.M.O.A. were soon filled. By eleven o'clock'7oo stretehers on the Prince's Wharf wero taken. Blankets were abundant at both places, and Bailors drifted in in groups. They cheerfully accepted the situation. The scene at the Y.M.O.A. was remarkable. Chairs were first requisitioned. Those lucky enough to secure them feared to relinquish their seats in search of blankets, as dozens less fortunate hovered near ready to take their places. The effect of the sea training was soon evident. Tho sailors stretched themselves on benches, tables, and shelves without apparent discomfort. Slumbering men were balanced on window ledges Jess than a foot wide. When 800 were accommodated the premises seemed taxed to their full capacity, but at midnight no fewer than IuOO had found space to seek sleep. Novel Sleeping Places. Dozens slept sitting up in chairs and couches. One man lay on the office counter, using the cash register as a pillow. The top of every piano was occupied, and at'an early hour in the morning there was hardly standing room in the building. Before one o'clock this morning more than 1100 sailors were accommodated on Prince's Wharf. Pour hundred were sleeping on a concrete floor, and although no pillows were available sacks were plentiful. A few who secured | wooden gratings to keep them off the floor were regarded by their fellows as lucky, but all seemed so tired that there was little time wasted in discussion or dispute. Supper supplies were exhausted long before midnight. Late arrivals contented- themselves with the inevitable chewing gum, and taking their blankets won easy sleep on the chilly concrete floor. The Day's Entertainment. Citizens were given their first opportunity to-day of inspecting the American Plect, but the day was so cold and uninviting that', only a few hundred availed thomselves of the chance. The principal event of tho day was tho Victoria and Navy League ball in the Town Hall, which was attended by tho Admirals and officers and many hundreds of citizens. The chief centre of attraction for the men in tho evening was the Navy League Club on the Prince's Wharf, where dancing was held. To-morrow morning Admiral Robison and 200 officers will leave for Eotorua. AT DUNEDIN. (P2E3S ASSOCIATION' 381.EG1t.1M.) DUNEDIX, August 13. Many friends are now being made by the American visitors, who to-day enjoyed Dunedin's sunshine. The programme of public entertainments included motor drives to the country for officers, and the Rotary Club, luncheon. Private people, too, are busy extending hospitality to the sailors. " In the evening a number or private and public Sinners arid dances have been held for all ranks, and many attended the boxing competitions.