THE VISITING FLEET

Evening Star, Issue 19019, 14 August 1925, Page 10

THE VISITING FLEET

CHRISTCHURCH INCIDENT SAILORS ANNOYED BY DISORDERLY SECTION ADMIRAL ORDERS ALL ABOARD [SPKCTATi TO THK ‘STAR.’] CHRISTCHURCH, Augustus. Rome sensation was caused in Christchurch last night when it became known that all men on leave horn the American destroyer squadron had been ordered back to their ships. It is understood that the action or the authorities was taken because ot trouble caused by a small disoiderly section in the city bent on annoying the sailors, and following an affray in Victoria square. , One of the older sailors, after the affray, said that strict orders had been given that there must be no lightingUnder even the severest provocation the men had been ordered not to retaliate, but to move on, when individuals became truculent towards them. He was convinced that the affray would not have taken place it disparaging remarks had not been made daring the parade, COLD CONDITIONS IN NORTH AUCKLAND, August 13. The citizens were given their first opportunity to-day of inspecting the American fleet, but the day was so cold and uninviting that only a few hundreds availed themselves of the chance. ~, , Tho principal event of trio day was the Victoria and Navy League ball in the Town Hall, the brilliant function being attended by the admirals and officers and many hundreds of citizens. The chief centre of attraction tor the men in tho evening was the Navy League Club on Prince’s wharf, where dancing was bold. To-morrow morning Admiral Robison and 200 officers will leave for Rotorua. WELLINGTON, August 13.

Admiral Coontz and his officers were guests at a Rotary Club luncheon, tho function proving very enthusiastic. The weather to-day was villainous, after a brilliantly fine two days' spell; hut, though rain was falling thickly, the whole-time liberty men from the fleet seemed able to find something to interest them. Parties went to Wairarapa, Manawatu, and Napier by train, and local excursions were arranged for those who did not care to venture far. Ship routine was continued as usual, but there were few visitors from tho shore owing to the rain. The ships out in the stream were barely visible through tho haze and rain. The harbor surface, while presenting no terrors for the naval men, effectually_damped the ardor ol*-would-be visitors from the city.

THE PROGRAMME FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, Visits by rail to country towns:— 1. To Palmerston. Local residents will entertain 100 officers and men. 2. To Waikouaiti. Local residents will entertain 50 men. 3. To Middlemarch. Local residents will entertain 50 men. SATURDAY, AUGUST 15. Visits by rail to Oamarn, Milton, and Mosgiel;— 8.40 n .in.—To Oamarn for 300 officers and men, whore they will bo entertained bv local residents. 9.5 a.m—To Milton, where 100 officers and men will be entertained by local residents. 10.25 a.m.—To Mosgiel, where 200 officers and men will bo entertained by local residents. 2 p.m.—The finish of the New Zealand ■ cross-country championship will be decided on Forbury Park, to which the members of the ships’ company are invited. 3 p.m. —Rugby football at Cansbrook, to which officers and men of the fleet are invited, g p.m.—Dance at Early Settlers’ Hall for up to 100 petty officers. SUNDAY, AUGUST 16. Arrangements have been made by the several churches for special services, to which the ships’ company are invited. MONDAY, AUGUST 17. 8 p.m.—Returned Soldiers’ Association entertains 60 men in Kroon’s Hall. 8 p.m.—Overseas Club entertains thirty officers in the Victoria Hall, Crawford street. Music and dancing. TUESDAY, AUGUST 18. 11 a.m.—Trotting meeting at Forbury Park, to which all officers and men are invited as the guests of the 8 p.m.—Dance, Early Settlers’ Hall, for up to 100 potty officers. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19. 11 a.m.—Trotting meeting at Forbury Park, to which ail officers and men are invited as the guests of the club. 7.30 p.m. —Civic dinner to RearAdmiral Marvell and officers at Tudor Hall. THURSDAY, AUGUST 20. Fleet departs from Dunedin.