UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 35, 10 August 1925, Page 8

UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL

DESTBOYERS AT DUNEDIN BEFORE FIXED TIME.

(II TtLIORAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

DUNEDIN, This Day. Twelve destroyers and three other vessels of the American fleet arrived off Tairoa Heads at 7 o'clock this morning, twenty-four hours ahead of time, necessitating a re-arrangement of the programme. Last Tuesday the Mayor was officially notified that the contingent could not arrive before Tuesday morning. Nothing further was heard, and on Saturday the, Harbour Board, through the American Consular representative, sent a wireless message to the flagship Melville that arrangements were complete for Tuesday, receiving the disconcerting news of an earlier arrival. The Admiral was informed of the difficulty, and kindly offered to remain off the heads, but in view of the heavy seas outside, it was thought better for the ships to berth, and a final radio was sent last night. It read: "Harbourmaster's pilot at Tairoa Heads 7 o'clock Monday. Bring all vessels to Dunedin wharves. Unfortunately, this will militate against a fitting welcome during arrival." The arrangements had included the presence of two thousand children on the'wharves, and many other features to assure a fittingly warm welcome. Only official calls will constitute to-day's pro-' gramme.