NAVAL VISIT

Evening Star, Issue 19001, 24 July 1925, Page 8

NAVAL VISIT

AMERICAN FLEET ARRIVES MELBOURNE'S WELCOME Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Press Association. MELBOURNE, July 24. (Received July 24, at 12.45 p.m.) The unfortunate incident in connection with the setamer Weeroona. with the inclemency of tho weather and the late boor at which the warships came up tho hay, robbed the welcome of some enthusiasm and tho spectacular effect anticipated. Nevertheless, despite the weather conditions, great crowds gathered along the foreshore and cheered the ships as they majestically followed each other in _ a long line, tho crews manning the ships. The visitors responded eagerly to tho cheering and flag-waving from tho shore. After anchoring, the remainder of the day was spent chiefly in paying and receiving official calls and other social functions.

To-day, when the men come ashore, the public will have a better chance of displaying their feelings. 'f'he* city has bedecked and prepared itself iu readiness, and if tho weather permits the streets will present a brave sight. Mrs Coates, wife of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, was among the guests aboard tho 'Weeroona, who were robbed of their expected trip. When the flagship Beattie was opposite St. Kilda, as she came up the bay, five aeroplanes rose from her decks and circled overhead.

MR BRUCE’S CONDEMNATION. AX EXAMPLE OF “JOB CONTROL.” MELBOURNE, July 24, (Received July 2!, at 11.15 a.m.) "When tho firemen of the 'Weeroona were assured that Mr Bruce was not aboard they demanded a guarantee of £IOO that that was so. One of the guests guaranteed that amount, whereupon the men demanded £4OO, which ivas refused. The Jmajority oif tho guests left the vessel. The firemen concerned were promptly dismissed by the owners.

The action is regarded as a part ol a preconceived plan, as the men delayed action till flic time the boat was due to leave the wharf.

Referring to the position Inter, Mr Bruce, who spent tho day in his office, said it. was tho most incredibly foolish and stupid thing that he had ever heard of men doing. They certainly had provided the public with a practical example of the working of “job control ” iu a manner which would bring homo the realisation of it to everybody. Mr T. Walsh said it was a matter of great satisfaction to him that the seamen of Australia were courageous enough to protest against Iho vindictive insult levelled at the seamen by the Prime Minister. OFFICIAL DINNER. SYDNEY, July 24. (Received July 24, at 12.45 p.m.) Tho s)>eechcs at last night’s official dinner (n the visiting American admiral and officers were chiefly of a mutually complimentary character.