TOURING THE EMPIRE

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 66, 18 March 1924, Page 7

TOURING THE EMPIRE

SQUADRON AT MELBOURNE

ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.)

MELBOURNE, 17th March.

The British naval squadron arrived at 7 o'clock this morning. It presented an impressive sight as, led by the monster flagship Hood, it steamed to its anchorage. The weather was perfect.

The squadron was met by eight aeroplanes and escorted in. A flotilla of heavily-laden steamers and small, craft was afloat in the bay, while great crowds from the shore, perched on the roofs of buildings and other vantage points, accorded the warships an enthusiastic welcome. Many sightseers had spent all night, awaiting the squadron's arrival. Hundreds of motor-cars assembled, particularly in the vicinity of Que'encliff and the Heads. The night being fine and mild, they had an enjoyable and merry time.

The warships made their way up the bay amid the crash of naval bands, the roar of field pieces, the shrieking of sirens, and the honking of thousands of motor-cars. The harbour and the city were ablaze with bunting. Admiral Field and his officers landed at noon, and attended various official welcoming functions. ;