THE PACIFIC CRUISE

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 65, 19 March 1925, Page 5

THE PACIFIC CRUISE

MUCH MONEY WILL BE^SPENT

LOCALLY.

C'USTRALIAK-NBW ZEALAND CABI3 ASSOCIATION.) WASHINGTON, 17th March. Rear-Admiral David Potter, Paymas-ter-General of the Navy, has given some interesting details concerning the provisioning and maintenance of the American fleet while it is in Australian and New Zealand waters. He said: "In view of the fact that we are trying to make the fleet self-sustaining, and as far as possible simulating conditions of war, the vessels will virtually he dependent on their own supply ships. It is estimated, however, that *150,CC0 dollar's will be spent for supplies and minor repairs while in Australian and New Zealand ports. "The supply officer with the fleet will, upon arrival, make contracts at various ports with responsible merchants, many of whom already have applied directly to the Navy Department lor hulk purchase of theso supplies. ■ "It is estimated that men and officers will spend of their pay at least 2,000,000 dollars" in gold during their visit. Their purchases in Australia and New Zealand would consist chiefly of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish,, etc." Further changes in the senior officer personnel for the fleet's Pacific cruise are as follow:— v

Captain Thomas Hart,, detached from Army War College, to command the Mississippi. Captain Arthur Smith, detached from the United States fleet,- to command the Idaho.

It is now believed the personnel changes virtually are complete, and no important further alteration? will occur.