OUR AMERICAN VISITORS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 265, 14 August 1925, Page 5

OUR AMERICAN VISITORS

4 FESTIVITIES CONTINUE IN POURING RAIN ADMIRAL ENTERTAINED BY ROTARIANS COUNTRY TRIPS COMMENCE The American idea that Wellington was somewhere near the South Pole must have been strengthened yesterday, when there was an appreciable drop in the temperature, and dawn broke with pouring rain and gusty squalls, which continued throughout the day. The American Jack Tar, however, despite his youth, does not apparently allow even a deluge to dampen his ardour, and the large number of sailors on shore leave managed to enjoy themselves despite the adverse meteorological conditions. Those seamen who had trusted New Zealand weather to the extent of coming ashore without their raincoats had to scurry from one veranda shelter to another “at the double,” while many were to he seen with shoulders hunched and both hands inserted.into the breast of their jumpers for warmth.

Visibility was bad yesterday for those who took advantage of viewing the city by the municipal observation cars, and the club-room 'at the Town Hall proved a more inviting rendezvous. The special feature yesterdav was the luncheon tendered to’ Admiral Coontz and 25 of the officers of the fleet bv the Wellington Rotary Club, at Kirkcaldie and Stains’ rooms.

The first of the trips into the country commenced yesterday. By the 8.55 am. train 250 American sailors left on a visit to Masterton, and thev were entertained with the lavish 'hospitality for which the district has been long noted. The Mastertou contingent thoroughly enjoyed; the outing, despite the execrable weather, and their spirits were buoyant when thev arrived back in town at 9.2 last night. - Fiftv officers left Wellington at 9.35 a.in. yesterday for Napier, and after enjoying the hospitality of the citizens theie, will return to-morrow.

Fifteen officers left bv the midday express yesterday to view the thermal wonders at Rotorua, and a further fifteen officers departed for the same quarter by the limited express last night.

The festivities yesterday were fittingly rounded off with the Government House ball to officers of the fleet, which proved a brilliant and spectacular gathering. A. number of the officers of the fleet have good-naturedly volunteered to visit the State schools, and give addresses to the scholars. Lieut.-Com-mander Welte, who was plucky enough to invite questions from the upper standards at the Kelburn Normal Schoo! yesterday _ morning, was bombarded with queries for upwards of an hour, and the posers put to the navigating officer of the battleship Mississippi proved that young New Zealand takes more than a casual interest in naval matters.

SCHOOL VISITED

NAVIGATING OFFICER AT kelburn pup , il ®, tfle Kelburn Normal Bchool and the students of the Teachw?th College were favoured WaU 'isit from Lieut.-Commander Welte, navigating officer of the Pennin^ a flee; the ?T St Ship Of the visit sFer in’ Vf, ay morning. Shortly b^lntrh^fh 0 C ° C >’ Professor Tennant bi ought the visitor to the school, where the chairman and several members of fMisFT^ e % aHd - the bead-teacher ;)? lss received them. After Miss Madland had been introduced Lieut.-Commander Welte said, “Why Miss Maitland, you were in the States’ recently, and the head-teacher acknowledged the correctness of the remark. The visitor was conducted through every room, examining the . work of the pupils, and was presented t>v one boy with his work, a sketch in coloured chalks, of Uncle Sam, which eF aS ,, C °^ pletl " g aE * he moment. In standards V and VI he staved quite a long time, answering a large number of questions from both girls and boys such as: “What is the speed of the Pennsylvania?” “How manv men does she carry ?” "How many seaplanes does she keep?” "How many ships are there i n the Americaii ? How many men areithere in the American Navy?” " Did the seaplanes fly from Australia?” “How do they leave the ship?” “How many seaplanes has the fleet brought to Wellington;?” "How many stars should there be on the American jflaef, and what do they represent?” “What • St si peS °“ the fla < mean?” What is the speed of the seaplanes?” As Lieut.-Commander' Welte left the standard rooms, a pupil addressed to him a few words of thanks, and three hearty cheers were given for him. Lieut.Commander Welte w r as then taken to the training college, where the ladv teachers entertained him at morning tea and afterwards a visit was paid to the large hall of the college, which was packed with an enthusiastic audience of the higher standard pupils and training college students. The principal, Mr. Gould, introduced Lieut.Commander Welte, and stressed the importance of the visit of the fleet and the necessity for the banding together of the English-speaking nations for the peace of the world. Lieut.-Commander Welte, who came to New Zealand with the American Fleet in 1908 as a midshipman, whose mother was a Canadian and his wife an Englishwoman, remarked how very much alike the people of New Zealand and Australia were to his own people. Indeed, the Americans thought of them as cousins. They had on his ship a British journalist, Captain Francis Mc-’ Cullagh, who was with the troops at Gallipoli, and the wonderful things he told them of the Anzacs made the

speaker' .proud of being here. The pupils that day had surprised him with the great interest they took in seaplanes. He was particularly struck with their keenness and their desire for information. The courtesv and kindness shown to him since his arrival here were wonderful, and made him ‘feel nerfectlv at home. The National Anthem and “The StarSnancded Banner” were sung, h vote of thanks was carried at the instance 01 a student, and three rousing cheers were given for visitor ’before the ceremony terminated. THE CITIZENS’ BALL The citizens’ ball in honour of the American Fieet, which is to be held at the Town Hall to-night, promises to be a brilliant function. The decorators were hard at work vesterday arranging a colour scheme which • should prove worthy of a memorable occasion. Some 100 officers and twelve nurses from the Beet, and twenty officers from H.M.S. ] Dunedin will attend-

A WELL-PAID NAVY ENLISTED MEN’S SALARIES Judging by the schedule of salaries drawn by enlisted men in the United I States Navy, financial matteis should cause very little trouble to the ratings, for payment is on a generous scale when compared with that with which the British naval man is rewarded for his services There is no question of paying men a few shillings a week (say an exchange), and it is doubtful if trades unionism would demand higher payments for those who choose a career in the naval force of the American Republic. The following is the list of salaries in dollars, with the present equivalent in sterling also given:— MONTHLY WAGES. Sterling

When it is taken into consideration that these wages are in addition to free board and lodging and uniform on joining, it can be seen that according

to New Zealand standards it is a welloff community that is visiting New Zealand. SHOPKEEPERS ON THE ALERT / LITTLE EXTRA BUSINESS ' DONE Wellington shopkeepers were not slow to realise that price marks in pounds, shillings, and pence, might not convey' much to the American sailors, and many- of them have adopted the expedient of making out price tickets in dollars and cents, for the guidance of the visitors. Several'shopkeepers in the main streets .were questioned yesterday as to whether the naval men were spending freely, but invariably the answer was that there was nothing much doing with them. A good many views of Wellington ano New Zealand in costcard and booklet form were being sold, and there was a fair demand for curios native of the country, but otherwise the American invasion had not meant any very particular increase in business.

SPECIAL SUNDAY TRAINS FOR COUNTRY VISITORS. The Railway Department is catering for people from a distance who wish to visit Wellington to witness the American Fleet, and who are unable to do so during week days, by providing train facilities and cheap fares on Sunday next. In our advertisement columns to-day will be found special train arrangements on Sunday from Palmerston North and Masterton and back at convenient times. The special trains will not stop between Paekakariki and Wellington on Mana watu line or Mangaroa and Wellington on Wairarapa line. Special cheap fares wjll be obtainable, and will be available only by the special train services. Intending passengers are advised to make inquiries at railway stations, where full information can be obtained.

NAVY LEAGUE SCHOOL CHILDREN

By advertisement schoo members of the Navy League are notified that visits will be made to the three United States warships on Monday (August 17), Tuesday (August 18), and Wednesday (August 19). Adult members of the league, teachers, and school members, will assemble in Hinentoa Street at 10,15 sharp each day. The league particularly requests the attendance of a large numbei of adult members each day Jo assist in supervising the children on the ships Children will make their own arrangements for transport to and from the wharf. All adults will be supplied with passes issued on personal application to the Navy League office, or at Hinemoa Street assembly. It has not been possible to notify the schools except by advertisement.

ROTARIAN HOSPITALITY

ADMIRAL AND OFFICERS ENTERTAINED - “HAVING A WONDERFUL TIME” / THE ROTARY WHEEL The doors of hospitality were thrown wide open at the Rotary Club's luncheon in honour of Admiral Coontz and a number of officers of the United States Fleet yesterday. The occasion was marked by an absence of formality. members and guests fr.aternising freely, making and cementing friendships in quiet talks in the interval between old-time American and English songs, which the gathering sang with rollicking abandon.

To Admiral Coontz the function had a double significance. He was welcomed as tiie Commander-in-Chief of the America Fleet and as a fellowRotarian of the Mark Twain Club back in his own country. Presided over by Mr. E. W. Hunt, acting-president of the Rotary Club, the function was largely attended, included amongst the guests being the Mayor (Mr. C. T. B. Norwood), Commander Beal (Commodore of the New Zealand Navy), Captain Sommerville, .and a number of visiting Rotarians. It was opened with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. During the course of the luncheon the following dittv was sung by the gathering amid much merriment:— Oh. Admiral Boh, w» aing-a-ling-a-lintr With all our hearts to you. We hope there'll be some-thing-a-ling-a-ling That we can do for you. In autumn, winter, spring-a-ling-a-ling. And all the whole year through We'll ring-a-Jittg-a-Ifng and tinga-a ling-a-ling. And ching-a-ling-a-ling for yon. Mr. Len. Barnes, a member of the club, sang the old song, 'Take Me Back to Old Virginy,” after the formal introduction of the Admiral was I made, to the evident pleasure of the American guests, and the Admiral particularly. There then followed other songs, and later each officer of the I Fleet present was introduced to the , gathering by the Rotarian member next whom he was sitting. Rising after the excellent luncheon had been disposed of to the blue haze from cigarette smoke of after-dinner contentment, the acting-president caid:— “Admiral Coontz and officers of the fleet, I desire first to apologise for the I absence from this function of our presi- I dent, Dr. Herbert, who is returningj from flic Cleveland conference in your; country, where he is representing this club. It is with great pleasure that we i extend to the members of the American i Fleet a hearty welcome at this meeting. The club has been looking forward for a very long time with great delight and anticipation to the occasion.” National Understanding. "We feel, sir,” continued Mr. Hunt, "that the understanding between tfio

two great nations—the nation you represent and that which we represent— Gieat Britain—is of very great value to the two countries as a whole. It is very pleasant for every one of us to know that there is such a complete understanding between them. It was said by a great Englishman ‘That to be prepared for war is a guarantee of peace,' and our two nations are always prepared to throw in their lot on the side of right, but at the same time it is their duty to see that the world’s i peace should be the great considera- ' tion.” Directing Admiral Coontz's attention to the flag of the United States, the Stars and Stripes, draped upon the wall about the club’s emblem, a navagating wheel, with the Union Jack upon the other side, he said: “Before you is the flag—the Stars and Stripes—that was presented to us by the New York Rotary Club some two years ago, and on the other side of it that great flag, tlie Union Jack, of which we are all so proud. It is the wish of every member of this club, ind of every member of the British Empire, that these two flags will ever wave side by side in unison for the purpose of maintaining the world’s .peace. We feel that the spleu did spirit of co-operation which exists between the nations that these flags represent will be for the good of every . community and the peace ot the world.” He concluded by extending a hearty welcome to the visitors, and expressing a hope that their stay here would be very pleasant.

Old Song’s Appeal. In rising to respond, Admiral Coontz was given a rousing ovation, members of the club singing a special club only of rollicking good-fellowship. “Mr. President and fellow-Rotarians,” he said, “I want to speak to you as a fellow-Rotarian, because I belong to the Mark Twain Rotary Club back in my own country. I have been a member of that club for some years now, and have, of course, visited Rotary chibs all over the world. I first want to congratulate you on the fine programme you have provided for our entertainment, and especially that first song. I am strong for that song, because about one hundred years ago my great-grand-father and great-grandmother went west to Virginia.” , He had attended many Rotary clubs in different parts of the world, he said, and had always enjoyed meeting the | members and getting a new line of I thought. Every sailor liked to look at j the Rotary wheel, because it reminded him of the old-time sailing ship, when sometimes it took one man to handle the ship and at ‘other times eight men were wanted. It was remarkable what a small wheel would do. In the old davs it was a spoke or two of the hetin, while now a little lever controlled the whole ship. “While Rotarv is not apparently great,” he said, "it is great, and acts as an international wheel. _lno trance, in my firm opinion, is passing out as the years go bv. aim as t ■ topics of the nations become more liberal and more intelligent. When a bov back at home I remember that I had to go to about six Sunday school meetings on i Sundays, where the ministers used to j preach against one another’s denomina- i tions. I was worried for some years as ! to how I should be baptised, bv immer- I sion or sprinkling. (Laughter.) As it I was winter when I joined up I took the sprinkling.” (Laughter.) Admiral ; Coontz went on to say that men of the

Navy, traveling all over the earth, i fcund many religions, all more or less different, but all doing fine work in their respective communities. 1 Referring to the spread of the Rotary movement, he said that this was a fine thing. Members from all over the world could walk into the Rotary Club rooms in any city and find out anything they desired about the place they were visiting. “This international spirit,” said Admiral Coontz, “is a great thing. I often think that the more men there are in associations such as ours the better it is for the world when any great crisis aiises, and we have got hard-headed people amongst the various nations to give expression of opinion, instead of going off wildly to fight one another, as it used to be many years ago.” “A Wonderful Time.” “We are having a wonderful time in Wellington,” he said, “and the weather . does not scare us. Sailors are used to all sorts of weather. Thev tried to scare me out of coming to Wellington because it was 40 degrees south. But I was not scared, and we got here. We appreciate being invited here to your association,” he added. The function terminated with -.the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Save the King.” JOURNALISTS’ WELCOME A PRESS CLUB FOR THE VISITORS Although the United States Fleet when it left San Francisco carried with it a distinguished company of American journalists, most of these disembarked at Honolulu, while others left the ships at the Australian ports. Amongst those who came on to New Zealand with the Wellington section are Mr. Francis McCullogh, who is representing the Putnam Syndicate; Mr. H. C. Hendee, of the San Francisco "Call”; Mr. B. A. Hartt, of the Associated Press; Air. T. Shelley, of the International News Syndicate; Air. C. IT. Grant (marine artist) , and Messrs. Fordham (Fox News) and Wallen (International News).

To mark the occasion the journalists in Wellington have organised a Press Club for the use of the visitors. Beadnail’s old picture gallery, 27 Mercer Street, which has been lent for the purpose bv the Dominion proprietary, has been furnished and draped, equipped with lighting and heating by the courtesy of the Wellington Gas Company, and connected bv telephony (No. 235) by the courtesy of the Post and Telegraph Department. Mr. 'Murray Fuller has kindiv lent several pic tores, Messrs. Gordon and Got.-b a supply of reading matter, and Billiards Ltd. a gramophone. The Press Club will be open for the convenience of the visitors as from 10 n.ril. to-day, and will remain oncn continuously till 10 p.m. dailv wbiß the fleet is in port. Officers of the <l-ct hrr- nlso invited to make use of the rend"zvn-is. On Monday next at 4 p.m. an official reception will bo fendm-nd the visitors -bv the New Zealand Journalists’ Institute, associated with the New Zealand Journalists' Association and the Wellington artists.

Two hundred and fifty American sailors and 20 officers will be entertained at Palmerston North to-day.

STORMBOUND IN AUCKLAND

LARGE NUMBER UNABLE TO REJOIN SHIPS SLEEPING .ACCOMMODATION HEAVILY TAXED By Telegraph—Press Association Auckland, August 13. There was a fierce easterly gale all last night, and the sea was so rough that the warships’ boats were able to convey onlv a comparatively small number of officers and men who were due aboard. Nearly two thousand officers and men, in addition to those oij shore leave, had to be accommodated, but the emergency was well met at the Y.M.C.A. and shelter sheds on the wharf. The 150 beds at the Y.M.C.A. were soon filled, and by 11 o’clock 700 stretchers on the Prince’s Wharf were taken. Blankets w’ere in abundant supply at both places, and as the sailors drifted in in groups they cheerfully accepted the situation. The scene at the Y.M.C.A. was remarkable. Chairs were first requisitioned, and those lucky enough to secure them feared to relinquish their seats in search of blankets, as dozens of the less fortunate hovered near read}’ to take their places. The effect of sea training was soon evident. The sailors stretched themselves on benches, tables, and shelves without apparent discomfort. Slumbering men were balanced on window ledges Itss than a foot wide. When 800 were accommodated the premises seemed taxed to their full capacity. But at midnight no fewer than 1500 had found space to seek sleep. 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 this morning there was hardly standing room in the buiSding. Before 1 ’oclock this morning more than 1100 sailors were accommodated on Princes Wharf. Four hundred were sleeping on the 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, and late arrivals contented themselves with the inevitable chewing gum, and taking their blankets, won easy sleep on the chilly concrete floor.

CEREMONIAL MARCH IN CHRISTCHURCH

By Telegraph—Press Assochtion Christchurch, August 13. Dense crowds lined the route of a ceremonial parade of American sailors through the city this morning, and the visitors were given a cordial reception. The businesslike appearance of the Americans in their full fighting kit i created a very favourable impression on the crowds, but as is usual in Christchurch the public were undemonstrative. The weather, which early this morning was in an unpromising mood, fortunately cleared shortly after 9 o’clock, and though it was damp underfoot the conditions were otherwise favourable. The saluting base was ■ established in Cranmer Square. On the platform, in addition to Rear-Admiral F. H. Schofield, were Mr. H. P. Bridge (American Consular Agent at Christchurch), Colonel R. Young (O.C. Southern Military District), and the Mayor (ISIr. JI K. Ar cher). The race meeting at Riccarton attracted large numbers of visiting offi-

cers and men, while several dances were given in their honour this evening. This afternoon the upper standards of the city schools inspected the fleet. DUNEDIN FRIENDSHIPS By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, August 13. Many friends have now been made by the American visitors, who to-day enjoyed Dunedin’s sunshine. The day’s programme of public entertainment included motor drives to the country for officers and a Rotary Club luncheon. Private people, too, were busy extending hospitality to the sailors. In the evening a number of private and public dinners and dances for all ranks were held, and many attended the' boxing competitions. To-morrow big parties will be entrained for visits to Palmerston, Waikouaiti, and Middlemarch. The store ship Arctic is expected at Port Chalmers to-morrow with mail for the sailorst and six thousand tons of stores. RIFLE SHOOTING WELLINGTON V. AMERICAN FLEET. A rifle teams’ match will take place at Trentham on Saturday, August 22. This will be a triangular competition, one team from the fleet and two from Wellington. The conditions are to be seven men a-side, ten shots, with two optional sighters at each range. The following will represent Wellington :— A Team. —H. R. Hunt, A. V. Swanson, R. H. Nichol, D. J. Guiney, F. W. Ching, W. H. Ballinger, H. T. Boon. B Team. —A. S. Ballinger, E. Ballinger, J. Smart, C. Whiteman, B. Goldfinch, W. Mcßain, A. S. T. Butler. Emergencies:—A. Harris, T. Goodall, 'R. Caughley, L. A. Caldwell. R. E. Hester, W. Mclver, J. E. Pitt, T. W. Warburton, D. Robertson, F. Whiteman, W. C. Webb, L. Hare, B. Dunn, W. H. T. Haase, J. Low, F. E. Frauklyn, R. Sneddon. R.S.A. V. SEATTLE The match between the American Navy rifle team from the flagship Seattle and a team from the Wellington Returned Soldiers’ Association, comprising ex-members of the N.Z.E.F., is now fixed for Saturday at Trentham. The Navy team will practise on the range to-day. The following have been selected for the Returned Soldiers’ team:—H, R. Hunt, R. H. Nicholls, E. Ballinger, A. S. T. Butler, J. Low, J. Pitt, A. Caldwell, H. T. Marshall, P. Barcham, F. McDonald. Emergencies: A. Sherbrooke, Mottram, H. Peat, E. Larkin, C. Brown. Both teams will travel bv the 12.15 train on Saturday, a reserved carriage being secured. At the conclusion of the match the visitors will be entertained at tea at Trentham, and in the evening will be the guests of the returned soldiers at a smoke concert m the club rooms. Members of the Naw team will each be given a souvenir, with special prizes for the two highest scorers. SPECIAL MOTOR TREAT FOR SAILORS In addition to the programme already announced, there will be a two hours’ drive around Wellington on Sunday afternoon. Cars will assemble alongside the Seattle at Pipitea Wharf at 2.15 p.m., and'the Fleet Transport Committee is desirous of securing a creditable turn out. Car owners are requested to get into communication with the secretary, Mr; H. J. Stott (telephone No. 2173)' and secure further instructions. It is hoped that citizens will give tins tour special consideration, and place their cars at the command of the committee for Sunday afternoon. An interesting and enjoyable route has been arranged. Another special drive is being arranged for Monday. _ Open car drivers will report at the Pipitea Wharf at 2 p.m. AMERICAN MONEY Should American coins be presented at the banks they may be purchased on the following basis:— £ s. d. Cent 0 0 Of Silver dollar ...: 0 4 1 Gold |-eagle (5d01.)... 1 0 5 Gold eagle (lOdol.) ... 2 0 10 Shopkeepers taking these coins wiil be able to obtain the above equivalents in sterling. HUTT AND PETONE ATTRACTIONS An invitation has been extended to officers and men of the American Fleet to visit Petone to-morrow afternoon, when an attractive sports programme will be submitted at the Oval. A baseball match will be played between the fleet’s two best teams, from the Seattle and Nevada, at 1.15, to be followed by the Rugby fixture, Petone v. Oriental. Afternoon tea will be provided for the visiting sailors. Lower Hutt will entertain 250 men from the fleet to-morrow at 2 p.m. on the recreation gtound, where the sailors will give exhibitions of baseball and boxing Other attractions will be the senior Rugby football 'contest, Hutt v. Selwvn, and' the Soccer game. Thistle v. Marist. Two hockey games will also be played. The visitors will be entertained 'by the Mayor and councillors. Citizens arc requested to display bunting. The men will arrive at the station at 1.30 p.m., and there will be a procession to the recreation ground, le.l by the Hutt Municipal Band or a band from the fleet. AUCKLAND EVENTS Auckland, August 13. The citizens were given their first opportunity to-dav of inspecting the American Fleet, but the da'- was so cold and uninviting that only a few hundreds availed themselves of the chance. The principal event of the day was the Victoria and Navy Leagues’ ball in the Town Hall, a brilliant function being attended bv the Admiral and officers and manv hundreds of citizens. The chief centre of attraction for the men ; n the evening was the Naw League Club on Princes Wharf, where dancing was held. To- _ morrow morning Admiral Robison and E 200 officers will leave for Rotorua.

At the request of the Wellington Broadcasting Station, 2YK, Admiral Coontz’s orchestra from the U.S.S. Seattie broadcasted a performance from the Dominion newspaper buildings last evening.

-Equivale Dollars of ma Xe Min. Max . & s. ■ d. Chief Petty Officer 84 125 z. 2 3 Petty Officer ((1st class) 75 lli> 21 8 9 Petty Officer (2nd clasq) 72 99 18 7 6 Petty Officer (3rd class) 60 75 15 6 3 Seamen (1st class) 50 67 13 13 7 Seamen (2nd claF&) 45 54 11 0 6 Other ratings (rare) .... 21 26 5 6