SYDNEY WELCOMES THE SQUADRON

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 86, 10 April 1924, Page 5

SYDNEY WELCOMES THE SQUADRON

SUNSHINE AFTER STORM

A MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.) SYDNEY, 9th April. For "Fleet Day" the weather agreeably falsified all the previous clay's jeremiads, for "after a week of storm and heavy rain, cams a day -of blue skies and brilliant sunshine. A paternal Government had proclaimed a' public holiday, and with every prospect pleasing people, began early to pour out to the foreshores, which from the Heads to Farm Covo was massed black on both sides with humanity, while Hundreds of craft of all kinds were lined along the fairway left for the' squadron to enter. The warships' approach was heralded by a squadron of circling, manoeuvring aeroplanes. The. entrance was made under the most favourable conditions, the famed.beauty of Port Jackson; flooded^ with sunlight, being seen at its best. The -line of great ships, headed by the monster Hood, was an impressive "spectacle as they majestically steamed between lines- of bunting-decked craft, while. the blaring .of steam whistles, punctuated the1 swelling cheers of the packed-crowds, and gracefully • swung to their ' stations and dropped, anchor in Farm Cove. ' Steamers conveyed the Parliamentary parties to the Heads to meet the squadron.: The city; which had been lavishly decorated overnight, .was a place of deserted streets during the forenoon, but. in' the afternoon massed itself, and rainy . thousands of ' country visitors swelled the crowds along the route of ' march of 1500 officers and men of' the squadron. Tho splendid body of men, | . swinging machine-like with the way they have in the-Navy, roused popular enthusiasm,, and secured: them , a welcome that must, have fully. justified expectations. ■' ' •-, ■■ ■ ■ f The remainder of the' day was spent.! in. official calls and social functions, in-' eluding the Governor's,dinner to the' Admiral and. chief officers, and the Lord Mayor's ball at the 'Town Hall. The' weather god changed his mind again,: but luckily-not until the outdoor functions were ended.. 'Barely -was the | fleet march over when a heavy rain- | storm 'swept the . city,! drenched the I flaunting bunting ,and sent the crowds scampering for. shelter. -' ■ . .'• _ The Town Hall, some State and public offices. : and many business > places, were illuminated to-night.