NINE HAPPY DAYS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 270, 20 August 1925, Page 9

NINE HAPPY DAYS

ENTERTAINING THE NAVAL VISITORS PUBLIC INTEREST IN WARSEIPS WELL SUSTAINED Nine days have passed since the American ships of war dropped anchor in Wellington harbour and their officers and men set foot on New Zealand soil. Those nine days have been full of happy moments for the visitors, and nearly all will be sorry when their boats set out for home again. Crowds of people went aboard the snips yesterday and spent pleasant hours looking around. Officially, however, it was a quiet day. Admiral Coontz attended a private dinner at night, and many officers passed fleeting moments on a ballroom floor. The Town Hall again saw hundreds of sailors coming in and out all day long, and music was played there by a band at night. Fifty men were entertained at the Evans Bay clubhouse, and various lodges supplied concerts during the evening. Hundreds sought amusement on their own account, and theatres were full of sons of the sea. They are getting to know Wellington better every day and not an hour passes that does not see enduring friendships made.

HAVING A WONDERFUL TIME A Dominion repoi ter asked Admiral Cole on board the flagship Seattle vesteiday morning how he liked Wellington. “I suppose you find it rather slow after Melbourne ?” the interviewer added as an afterthought. The Admiral laughed. “Not a bit of it,” he exclaimed, enthusiastically. “It’s a wonderful place, and we’re having a wonderful time. I love your city and I love your folk. Truly I’ll be sorry to say good-bye.” s. ■ - ' MUSIC FOR THE SICK ( The U.S.S. Nevada’s Band will render music to cheer the sick at many places in the city to-day. The Red Cross Home, Public Hospital, Ohiro Home, Home of Compassion at Island Bav, and the Levin Memoiial .Home, will all benefit by hearing this remarkably fine bana, which will probablv visit a number more institutions during the week. “STUNTING” IN AIR FAREWELL DISPLAY ON MONDAY On Monday morning the fleet will Bay good-bye to Wellington, leaving early on its homeward voyage. Before the ships go, however, a spectacular display of "stunting” in the air will be given, all the seaplanes competing In manoeuvres for the benefit of those on shore. WITH THE RIFLE HOW FLEET FARED AT PETONE A large number of marines and sailors from the fleet were accorded a hearty' welcome bv Mrs. Fuller at the Petone I Ladies’ Rifle Club last evening. There i was dancing, and songs were sung,, all I the visitors being in a happy mood. The shooting created keen competition, especially the matches in which the sailors took part. Although the rifles were new to them, the naval men put up a great performance, and were verv hard to beat. Following are the results Petone ladies, 232; Petone national Reserve, 236; Petone Working Men’s Club, 233. The highest scorers were: Petone Ladies: Mesdames Fuller, Pickard, and Emmett each registered a possible. Men’s National Reserve: Childs and Nicholson, 49 each. Fleet.—Newman (U.S.S. Richmond), 48. Hutt Ladies.—Mrs. Nicholson, 47. WHO IS SHE? ■ w PETONE GIRL TO MARRY SAILOR It happened in Sydney, also in Melbourne, and now, of course, its bound to happen here. A" girl and a sailor are soon to be' united, and when the fleet leaves on Monday next a sailor man’s wife will be left behind. All the crew of the Seattle know about it, though they will not give the names. A lad of the fleet is going to marry a girl from Petone. The engagement has already been announced—though secretly —and the marriage, it is said, will take place on Saturday. THE HOSPITAL SHIP Visits to the hospital ship Relief were paid yesterday morning by the ; members of the Harbour Board and members of the Education Board. The . visitors were shown over the floating hospital, and were greatly impressed with the thorough equipment of the vessel. TRENTON’S PIANO-PLAYER U.S.S. Trenton has something ; special in piano-players in its ward room. This is a very fine electricallycontrolled instrument, which gives the finest shade to every expression. The plaver was presented to the ship by the citizens of Trenton, New Jersey, and is a very much prized possession. ' SPORTS MEETING A sports meeting is to be held at the Basin Reserve by men of the American Fleet to-morrow. The first event will take place at 1.30 p.m., and it is hoped that the public will roll up in large numbers. Our visitors are proud of their prowess in sport, and it is fully anticipated that the various contests will be reallv interesting. THE BOXERS’ COACH On board the U.S.S. Pennsylvania is a young ensign named J. Charlson, who Is regarded as one of the finest amateur boxers in America. Being an officer, however, he is not allowed to participate in public displays. He is the coach on board and takes' the boxing team almost every day to the Y.M.C.A. to train.

WANTED A TRIP ALOFT BOY ADVISED TO SEE ADMIRAL “Say, Mister, any chance of going up in your aeroplane?” This is what a small boy said to an officer on the deck of the Seattle yesterday. The officer laughed. “You’d better see the Admiral, sonny,” he advised. “Perhaps he’ll let you. Go and see him anyway.” The boy with a smile departed full of cheerful optimism at the thought of a trip above. Whethet he saw the Admiral or not, however, is a different question—and even if he did—well, the Navy is not taking up any passengers, and the public are advised not to bother them in this respect. ■ BALL AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE A GAY SCENE Government House has been the scene of manj- gaieties of late and last evening another ball was given there bv Their Excellencies the GovernorGeneral and Ladv Alice Fereusson. The soft varied colouring of the frocks, the flowering plants for a background, the uniforms, and the youth of many of the dancers made the scene a most cay and attractive one. Spring flowers were everywhere to be seen in the reception rooms, and they also decorated the tables in the dining nnd billiard rooms, where supper was served. As soon as Their Excellencies ent“r?d the ballroom dancing was at once begun.

Iler Excellency Lady Alice Fergusson wore a frock of deep geranium pink georgette with loose panels on the skirt and' the corsage caught wit!) a diamond clasp. A small diamond tiara was also worn on her head. Miss Fergr.sson wore a frock of gold lace over deep yellow georgette, and Miss Orr-Ewimr was in canary yellow ueoi‘i gette. Among those who were present ! were Admiral Cooutz and several of i the officers from the visiting warships, I Mis. J. G. Coates, wearing cyclamen i georgette with floating- panels finished 1 with ostrich, feather trimming; Captain I and Mrs. Sommerville. the latter in I dull blue brocade with grev fur trimming; Commodore Beal, with Mrs Beal in peach pink satin draped with lace: Mrs. Melvill. gold lace over rose pink satin; Mrs. Day, geranium pink Liberty satin; Mrs. E. Hadfield, black georgette touched with. white; Mrs. Sh-11»v marocain; the American Consul-Gener-al, Mr. Lowrie, with Mrs. Lowrie, who was wearing hyacinth blue georgette with silver trimming; Miss I’omare, orange marocain embossed with velvet; Mrs. Peters, sapphire blue georgette with silver embroideries; Mr. and Mrs. A. Harper, the latter in black; Miss Harper, oyster grey silk frock; Paymaster Commander Butcher with Mrs. Butcher, in black silk; Miss Barton (Featherston), canary yellow georgette; Mrs. C. Earle, black _ chiffon velvet caught at one side ywith an orchid feather ornament; Miss Wilberfoss, green georgette and black lace; Mrs. C. Elgar, black georgette with jet embroideries over satin; Mrs. Thomas, pink marocain with ostrich feather trimming; Miss Golding (Palmerston North), blue frock with painted flower; Mrs. Cowles-, black georgette with overdress beaded in steel; Miss Cowles, ivory marocain with cream Spanish shawl; Miss M. Earle, pale mauve georgette witli beaded embroideries; Miss Zita Chapman, red and silver frock; Miss Clarke-Johnson, blue and silver; ’Mis? Marcia Pockley, white and green frock; Miss Helen Gilmer, lavender georgette with sequinned overdress; Miss Jean Leckie, orchid mauve frock with silver lace; Miss Henriette Leckie, pale apricot frock; Miss Alys Duncan, palest apricot georgette with chiffon flowers on the skirt shading into deep tangerine; Mrs. Innes ( cyclamen satin; Miss Innes, white marocain with silver lace caught with rosebuds; Miss Nessie Craig, white frock caught with a girdle of silver flowers; Miss Flossie Craig, white mariette with silver flowers; Miss Cara Chapman, blue frock; Miss Statham, gold tissue; Miss Meadowcroft, gold lace; Miss Ida Duncan, white I georgette and silver; Miss J. Huntei, i shaded yellow frock; Miss Martin, pink 1 georgette shading into deep cyclamen; Miss Williams, cream shading into tan- . gerine; Miss Findlay, blue frock; Miss I Marshall (Rangitikei), jade green i frock; Miss Mollv Duthie, blue and silver frock; Miss Cooper, sapphire < blue and silver; Miss Dorothy Hadfield, pale mauve georgette; Miss Ernestine Hadfield, palest pink georgette; Miss B. Cox, green georgette; Mrs. C. Richardson, wallflower and gold brocade; Miss Betty Kember, mauve frock; Miss R. Richardson, egg-shell blue frock; ' Miss Shirtclifle, silver and blue frock; ■ Miss Lorna Chapman, Misses Monti gomery (2), Miss Markman, Miss Nancy ' Gard’ner, pale pink frock; Miss Molly , Coleridge, pink broche; Miss E. Ward, i dark red georgette beaded to match; Miss Corkill, white marocain; Miss Richardson, dull gold frock; Mrs. John Duncan, white marocain with stiver trimming; Miss Mary Warren (Hawke’s Bay), white embroidered frock with an Egyptian shawl; Miss M. Joseph, tan- . gerine georgette beaded in gold; Miss Dixon, jade green marocain; Miss n .. c i^ tT , Ptl eeor"ette; Miss McClure, blue satin; Miss Betty Hislop, lro,«.; Miss' Adams, blue satin i frock; Miss C. Morison, flame froek I beaded in silver; also Mr. and Mrs.

Markman, the latter wearing black; Mr. and Mrs. Craig, Miss Mills, Captain Campbell,. Mr. C. Richardson, Mr. Justice Ostler and Airs. Ostler, Air. D. G. A. Cooper, Air. Richardson, Air. Al. Myers, Air. H. Johnson. The members of- His Excellency’s staff did much to add to the pleasure of those who were present at the ball. A THRILLING SIGHT MARCH THROUGH AUCKLAND Auckland, August 19. A march of 2000 men from the American battleships was the main event of the fleet programme to-day. With bands playing and banners flying, the men made a very brave and striking show, which earned the admiration of the spectators, ot whom there weie about 80,000 lining the. route, ten, twenty, and thirty deep. It was a thrilling sight. Admiral Robison took the salute at the Town Hall. The marines marched with the air of a regiment of foot guards on parade, and rousing cheers greeted them. The crowd momentarilv broke the barriers near the Town Hall'and the march was held up, but order was soon restored. The King’s Empire veterans were visitors to the flagship this morning as guests of the Admiral. A large number of sailors were treated to a motor drive by the Automobile Association. To-night the Harbour Board gave a dinner to the Admiral and officers. Tomorrow morning 550 men will leave for Rotorua. FAREWELL TO DUNEDIN DESTROYERS. TO LEAVE THIS AFTERNOON Bi Telegraph—Press Association Dunedin, August 19. _ The last day activities of the American destrover squadron included a reception by Rear-Admiral Marvell on the Vlelvile. at which about 1000 attended. The Forburv Park trots were continued and many men were present. It is reported that one sailor from U.S.S. Moodv has chosen a Dunedin girl for his bride and that the marriage was celebrated yesterday. A baseball match was played in the afternoon between the Decatur and McDermott crews. _ A civic dinner was accorded the Admiral this evening. Rear-Admiral Marvell and officers of the squadron were tendered a farewell dinner bv the Mayor to-night. In respending to the chief toast, the Admiral thanked all for the extreme courtesy, kindness and hospitality extended during the visit. The destroyers will leave at l_p.ni. to-morrow for Wellington, and will be followed at 3 p.m. bv the Melville, which must wait for the tide. In a farewell message, Admiral Marvell said that Dunedin had given them a wonderful time, and the results must lie profitable and important. The two peoples had met face to face_ in a contact that would be valuable in promot-' ing proper understanding and in leading to concord and good-will. Admiral Marvell addAl, in commenting upon the growth of New Zealand, that its people seemed to have escaped manv pitfa'ls into which new countries bad often fallen. CHRISTCHURCH GAIETIES Christchurch, August 19. Officers and men of the United States Fleet had another good day to-day. Parties visited Akaroa and New Brighton, nnd many attended a baseball match between the fleet and Canterbury, which resulted, as expected, in a handsome win for the visitors. This evening there was the usual round of gaieties TO-DAY’S PROGRAMME 11.30 a.m.—Race meeting; Admiral Ccotitz, officers, and men, guests of the Wellington Racing Club, at Trentham. 2.30 p.m.—One hundred school children from Nelson visit ships. 8.30 p.m.—Navy League bail to Admiial and 75 officers. Town Hail. The clubroom will be open at the Town Hall to-day. There will be dancing for the men at night. The ball on board the Pennsylvania on Saturday night promises to be one of the most successful social functions ever held in Wellington. Just on two thousand guests are expected to attend, and the ship will be ablaze with light and colour. Invitations are now being issued, and those who are fortunate enough'to board the ship will have an enduring impression of American hospitality. A sports display by men of the fleet will take place at the Basin Reserve this afternoon. Those who wish to see some good events are advised to attend. Music will be played by a ship’s band. The Red Cross Society has arranged for a number of cars to report at 2 p.m. on Fridav at the U.S. hospital ship Relief for the purpose of taking convalescent patients under treatment on the vessel for a run round the city.

The clubroom at the Town Hall was again open all day yesterday for men of the fleet. Both morning and afternoon saw crowds of sailors making their way about tbe building. Many read books and wrote letters to their friends at home.