FLEET AT SYDNEY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 283, 24 August 1908, Page 7

FLEET AT SYDNEY.

THE HARBOUR AT NIGHT. A'MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE. SEARCHLIGHTS AND FIREWORKS. (DT TET.EQItArit—ritESS ASSOCIATION—COI'IIIIOHT.) Sydney, August 22. Tho weather is fine for.to-day's programme. It includes visits by contingents of tho Fleet to tho country, a niimbor of sporting events, conoerts, theati'o parties, and a Venetian carnival in tho harbour. (Rqc. August 23, 4.15 p.m.) Sydnoy, August 23. The Fleet was entortained yesterday at .various outdoor sports held in their honour. In tho evening the harbour presonted a magnificent spectacle. The night was dark and cloudy, and all' the ships of tho British and Amorican Fleets were illuminated,. They kept their searchlights criss-crossing with weird effect, while a splendid display of fireworks was maintained. 1 Between 300,000 and 400,000 people witnessed tho spectacle. CHURCH PAR.ADE. (Rcc. August 24, 1.3 a.m.) Sydney, August 23. To-day was a quiet one, as far as tho Fleet is concerned. The chiof function was the church parade of'the Commonwealth naval and military forces N in Contennial Park. Tho Governor presented tho colours to the Second Infantry Regiment. Ovor 70,000 spectators wero present, including a goodly number of American visitors. Many of the churches arranged special services extending invitations to the Fleet, and' over 800 officers and men attended High Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral, and a subsequent banquet arranged, by the Roman Catholio community. i / v STATE BANQUET. HARBINGER OF .PEACE. " COMMON INTERESTS AND COMMON CHRISTIANITY." • Sydney, August 22. ■ The guests at tho State banquet numbered a thousand. Mr. Wade, State Premier, in proposing the toast "Kiog and President," said the feeling of kinship between tho United States and Britain Was growing stronger year by year. The British wero only too willing to regard their friends across'the Atlantic as natural allies., Mr. Deakin, Federal Prime Minister, in proposing tho health of Lord Northcotc, paid a glowing farewell tribute to the departing Goverhor-GeneraL Continuing, he described the fleet as a harbinger of peace, bringing to Australia a message of confidence and carrying .throughout the world an assuranco of strength. No other flag would have received a welcome like that being tendered on this occasion. Lord Northcote, replying, said he believed such visits only required development to becorao an.important factor in the peace'and progress of the world. Hd hoped tlio timo wolild conib -when tho Australian squadron would bo able to return tho visit of the American fleet.. .'Admiral Sir-Harry Rawson, the State Governor, said the flags of America and Britain wero entwined, and ho hoped they would always be on tne samo side." '• Admiral Sperry, replying to tho toast "Our GueSt," said that their, welcome had been cordial and enthusiastic beyond measure. Evidently it was from the people, from their representatives, and from tlio representatives of the King, and..back of'all was "kinship, common interests, and common Christianity. Ho hoped 'the'< "tiesj 'i•'-n-'hicli EjttbxVg l,P as steel, would become stronger and more numerous. 1 Adiiiiral Sporry proposed "The British Navy." Admiral Sir R.. Prioro, replying, attributed tho enthusiasm and friendship to tho interests of the two nations being" almost identical, because each was strong and respected each other's strength, and because of their united efforts in the, direction of peace/ Mr. Deakin, responding to the toast of "The Commonwealth," said he looked forward to the day when from their harbour would go fortlr a fleet worthy to be compared with' tho magnificent squadron which had reached Australasian shores. ■. .