THE AMERICAN FLEET

Evening Star, Issue 19019, 14 August 1925, Page 6

THE AMERICAN FLEET

STILL ENJOYING IT THE SHIPS AND THE MEN The American Jack Tars are enjoying themselves immensely in Dunedin, and speak highly of tho treatment they have received. The various entertainments and trips arranged by tiro local Entertainment Committee have all been well patronised, and the visitors look forward each day to seeing something now. Conditions were not too pleasant, but a great many officers availed themselves to-day of the opportunity afforded by the Otago Motor Club members of a trip to Hen Toy. The party will have afternoon lea there. INTO THE COUHTRY Special trains went north and south this morning with large parties of sailors, who will have an opportunity of seeing some of tho country behind the town —a chance which most of them were eager to have. One hundred men entrained for Palmerston, fifty for Waikouaiti, and fifty for Middlomarch. At each of these places tho people had made extensive preparations to give a real good time to the visitors, who would be able to “mix in” to their heart’s content, ABOARD SHIP Though a largo number of the men have shore leave, many officers and men must stay aboard. There is the usual routine of administrative work to ho attended to, tho ships have to he kept spick and span, and the men have to be fed. Though the officers have a good deal to do, they always seem to find time to meet with courtesy all the callers who come aboard. On most of the ships there are generally one or more civilians as guests to lunch. PROVISIONS FOR THE FLOTILLA Stores from the Arctic, which arrived at Port Chalmers this morning, were brought up to Dunedin on hulks towed by tho tug Plucky, and loaded on to the Melville. It was mostly dried provisions and things of a similar kind, ■ It was pointed out by Captajn Cay, who commands the Melville, that one of the purposes of the present cruise is to find out how ships can be rationed when so far fram their bases. "When the ships are cruising on either seaboard of tho United States it is not a difficult problem, for a provision ship can easily be sent out from any of the dozen of ports along the const. The experience of the present lengthy cruise will bo a valuable guide for the future. BASEBALL EXHIBITION At tho request of tho mayor (Mr H. L. Taplcy) and tho Entertainment Committee, the officers of the fleet have kindly given permission for an exhibition game of baseball to he played at Carisbrook on Monday afternoon between two teams selected from the various ships. The match will start at 3 o’clock, and ti c proceeds will be devoted to local charities. ’The opportunity to see America's national game is one that should not be missed. GUESTS AT LUNCH The mayor (Mr 11. L. Taplcy) and the members of the City Council were the guests of Rear-Admiral Marvell and officers abom-d the MelviHe e< lunch to-day. Tho American Consul (Mr Hannan Reeves) was also present. To-morrow fhe chairman (Mr J. Loudon) and the members of the Otago Harbor Board will lie the guests at lunch on the Melville.

ASHORE AND AFLOAT A FEW MORE SIDELIGHTS Only a year in the service—and so fervent a patriot that he enlisted “ for death or decommissioning”—one member of the Melville’s crew has a record unique and lurid. He joined the vessel at Vallejo, in California, and no one thought much of his personality—a very ordinary sort of “ gob ” of questionable parentage and upbringing. Rut since ho left the shores of Vallejo ho has sure made things hum. ‘‘Scars on neck ” is the entry made in his service record on the date of enlistment —and subsequent entries make the existence of the scars no matter of surprise. Ho lias several assaults to bis discredit—in each ease a savage attack on some bolder of a corresponding rating on another ship. Ho intended to scalp one victim, and but for the intervention of the shoro_ patrol would have certainly emerged with some grim trophy of the struggle. _ One charge against him was that of inciting a riot at Pearl Harbor between other members of the Melville’s crew and the marines at the harbor by spreading a false report that ho was dead. Since coming to Dunedin he has not been allowed ashore. Witnesses who saved him from punishment at tho last court martial are under a heavy bond to ensure that bo is kept aboard, unless under strong escort. Rut for all his peccadillos, he is an estimable chap, always ready to shake hands, and there is not a man on tho Melville, iron) the Admiral down who would part with Fearless Duke, entered in the service record —ho has one of his own justjike any member of the flee!—as “ official ship's dog.”

• * » » “ F plnribns iininn” —ibe motto of the United States- has its meaning strikingly exemplified aboard the fender ship'Melville. Here, in a vessel of only 10,000 tons, is tho compact homo of a myriad workshops. Resides being butcher, baker, and eandlcstiek-maker to tbo fourteen vessels that she mothers, the Melville docs all the repairs, and it is claimed that she can attend to any job from mending a propeller to building a destroyer. The variety of -workshops, which range from a carpenter’s den to a foundry, are daily attracting increased public interest, and manufacturers especially are finding a visit to the ship well worth while. The men aboard the ship are practically all skilled tradesmen—but there are times when they don’t work union hours. Cr MacManns could perhaps ask Captain Hay whether they get any overtime. The ‘ Star ’ man did not like to broach the subject. * * * “ Got any roast peanuts,” politely asked the “gob” as he entered tbo confectioner's shop last evening. “We’ll anchor here, then,” ho added when answered in the affirmative. Both his mate and ho purchased big bag, and between mouthfuls explained that, thev were very fond of peanuts- they would rather have thorn than candies. “ But the nuts will make you thirsty,” said the shopkeeper, “and if you were, at home you would he in a fix, wouldn’t you?” “Say. ho. you know the old proverb. ‘ Where there’s a will there's a way,’ and that may be applied in America as well as here,” replied one of the sail omen, with a knowing wink at his companion. t ■ And another “ goh ” wanted to know where the drug store was. The humorist smiled with just a mixture of cynicism. “ Vuu might bo able to got a drink if you take the risk,” he replied, “ but you needn’t go to the cheimst’s for it in New Zealand, you know!” “ I don’t want a think, bo,’ rejoined the sailor. “ I want a straight-out drug store!” It dawned on the cynic that the man might bo looking for the legitimate aid of an apothecary, but it was then long after- U at nigni- So

ho directed the man to the all-night dispensary. “ Thanks, brother,” said tho grateful Yank; " I’ve run right out of pocket handkerchiefs 1” * * , * * “ Six months ago,” said one of the ship’s captains, “ most of our lads were on farms back in Kansas, Tennesee, and all sorts of States. Most of them were recruited from tho rural districts. But things get quiet down on the farm, and this cruise attracted a lot of them. Many are only eighteen or twenty, and as they sign on for four years only, they have tho option of leaving at the end of that terra. Afost of them will he only twenty-two when they go back -—and, gee, won’t they have some experience?” ■ * * « Among the tradesmen who are reaping the benefit of this visit is the pievendor. Not only the obliging gentlemien who preside in Dunedin’s two kerbstone cafes. Jack’s love for the mysterious pastry evinces itself by day as well as by night and acting on Mahomet’s wise decision about the refractory mountain, a wise young man who has discovered this strong point in tho American appetite has reaped a golden harvest from ins frequent daily visits to tho vessels. * * * # Ray day on tho fleet to-morrow, and more than the men are looking forward to tho Intel estiug event. The shopkeepers had their share of the last issue, brother publican had a lot, and, best of all, the citizens recognised two long-lost friends—the sovereign and the hair-sovereign. Peoplp are getting quite used to them again, and it will be hard reverting to grease-coated currency of normal times. * « * Scene: Custom-house square. Time: About 3 o’clock this morning. A dark, cold night, the only light coming dimly from the few street lamps round about and shining ( iu broad lines along the slightly-wet pavomqnt. Tho horse that, suomiUing patiently to being dragged away at these early hours from his feed box and straw to pull the pie carl, to and from its salubrious stand by the Fountain steps, is being led up to drag away the Cafe de Movo-along, the proprietors ,at that hour being not very hopeful of more business coining their way. The horse patiently lurches up through the darkness, with head bent low and harness clinking slowly. There are still a few people in sight. Two or three taxi-drivers are talking together, and there are small groups of sailors and civilians and ships’ patrols, together with a policeman. All arc loitering aimlessly about. Suddenly everyone’s attention is drawn by a movement by the Monument. A bluejacket, with wee white hat perched high and loose trousers flapping in the wind, warts out from a group of sailors, and, in approved Tom Mix stylo, vaults on to tho horse’s back, A guffaw goes up from the bystanders, who have been joined by the white-aproned pie-cart waiters. The horse is chirruped up, and careers gaily round the Fountain once or twice, with, the sailor hooking his legs beneath and riding awkwardly. So far so good. Then someone gives tlio steed a jolt in the ribs, and his placid temper is rudely disturbed. Ho pig-jumps round, with the rider hanging precariously on as best ho can, and bumping painfully with each now jump. Tho small crowd is overjoyed by the spectacle, and tho horse is kept gonig round and round the Monument with a short, uneasy motion. Then tho harness starts to come off, and tired of his ride tlio bluejacket slips off, and, joined by his comrades, moves off hilariously down Rattray street. Some time, when in his bunk he feels the ship butting through a stormy sea, he may think of another rough passage he once had—round the Cargill Monument on the pie-cart horse. OTHER ITEMS ' This morning a partv from the Monteoillo Convalescent Home, including the Rev. V. Ct. B. King, the matron, nurses, other members of tho staff, and several patients, were conducted over the repair ship Melville. Last evening there was a. comprehensive programme of entertainments provided for the visitors. In Q shed the sailors passed away a merry time _ in dancing and in song, and the ladies, wiio are doing such excellent work, had the supper arrangements well in hand. Thirty officers were agreeably entertained at a smoke concert by the membra of the Otago Officers’ Club, and another parly found great enjoyment at a dance given by tho Home Science staff of tho University. A dance for petty officers was given at the Early Settlers’ Hall. A large number of men attended the boding at His Majesty’s Theatre.

A SUGGESTION TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —As the visiting sailors parade up and down the main street the thought has struck me that surely by this time they have learnt tho geography of Princes street by heart. So why not give them a run out into the country in the afternoon? The Reception Committee can surely spare the necessary funds out of the money subscribed to charter a dozen or so motor lorries for two or three afternoons and take a few hundred of the men to. say, Upper Junction, Leith Valley, ami the water trough on the Whare Flat road, where splendid views may bo had of the surrounding country.—l am, etc., „ Scenario. August 14. >•

THE GENEROUS “GOBS” INCIDENTS IH RIELBOUHriE A fresh-faced young American sailor swung blithely into a, suburban residential .street of the unbeautiful type, and, after carefully examining the numbers on the more or less blistered doors, selected the right one and entered the small gate (.records a recent ‘Age’). In response to Ins knock a wan-faced woman opened the door and looked at him in a dull, lar-away manner. “Mrs Brown live here?” be inquired. “ Yob,” in the same dull, far-away manner. “1 am Mrs Brown.” “ Glad to meet you,” said the sailor, holding out his hand. “ My name s Smith. Mother told mo to look you up when I was here. She said you were girls together in England. She was Miss Janet Robertson before she was married.” The woman fingered her wedding ring absently. “ I remember Janet Robertson very well,” she said. Then, remembering what was due from her, she invited the sailor inside. ft was a poor house, poorly and .scantily furnished. The woman motioned tho sailor to a ricketty chair and sat down herself on a worn-out horsehair sofa. “ Cm sorry I've got lit.Me to odor you,” she said, “ hut I'm terribly glad you called. You see, my husband died last week, and I’ve been rather upset, so you won't mind if I. don’t seem very bright, will yon?” “I'm sure sorry,” said the sailor gently. “ Mother thinks an awful lot of you. and often talks about you. Gee', I am sorrv. Can T do anything at all?” She shook her head. “I shall be all right,” she said. “1 have some work to go to next week, and the children are growing up. although they are not earning yet. How is your mother? She ought to be proud of her boy.” “ Mother’s fine, and so’s dark 1 guess I'm just one curly-headed I'il boy there.” “Yes, you look a mother's boy.” “ Are vou sure now I can’t do anything to help?” said the sailor. She shook her head. “No, thank you very much. Reople have been very kind, and things will be better next week.” A small girl, shabbily dressed, darted into the room and asked for cake. “ I’m sorry, darling,” said tho

womau. “ There isn't any. I must get seme in.** , ~ , “Bub I’m hungry, said tho child plaintively. , A spasm passed across the woman b fees. "In ft minute,” she said gouth’. Then, turning to the sailor: ( You 11 hare ft cup ot coffee, won’t you?” “Thank you,’’ said the sailor, 1 sure will, Mrs Brown,” The woman got up, took the whimpering child with her, and went out of the room. As they were going tho child fiftidi “And there ain’t no broad neither, mum.” “Shi” said tho woman wnrningly. Tho sailor got up ( looked about him, and sized up the situation. He saw desperation and pride in tho woman’s face and places in the room which used to hold furniture and ornaments now reposing in tho pawnshop. Acting on impulse, he emptied his pockets on to tho crazy old sofa. There were golden sovereigns and golden five-dollar pieces and a jumble of Commonwealth notes and some loose silver. Ho made a little pile of it, listened for a moment, and then lot himself noiselessly out of the front door. “ Guess I can do w’out it,” ho said to himself as he ran down the street.

BTOBEBHIP ARCTIC ARRIVES FINE WEATHER TRIP DISCHARGING STORES AT PORT CHALMERS. The Arctic, storeship for the American fleet, arrived at Port Chalmers this morning to replenish the lood supplies of the destroyer flotilla in Dunedin. Tho Arctic'exactly resembles an ordinary cargo steamer, excepting in details such as the severe lead color painting, which extends from truck to waterline. Fully loaded with provisions, including frozen meat ami fresh fruit, tho Arctic left San Francisco on July 15. It was a fine-weather passage until last Saturday, when the snip approached East Capo, and encountered a southerly buster, which made tilings unpleasant for three days. She passed in at Otago Heads at 7 a.m. to-day. and after being cleared inwards berthed at tho Bowen pier shortly after 1) a.m. The Arctic, carries a crew of 170 men, and in addition to these she has on board 102 men to join various units of tho fleet in Now Zealand. When the Arctic approached tho Equator great interest was displayed in tho preparations for the reception of Father Neptune. He duly boarded the ship, and initiated 222 men, includffig the ship’s surgeon, who, with tho others, was privileged to take tho prescribed medicine.

Oil fuel generates the steam supply. Turbines drive the twin propellers. The vessel’s speed on her twenty-seven days’ run across the Pacific averaged about 9J knots. The wireless equipment keeps the ship in touch with the shore and other snips. A news bulletin arrives daily, “same as in the newspapers, except for the headlines.” The ship’s equipment also includes a 100-ion ice machine.

The Arctic brought about 200 tons of foodstuffs for the vessels in Dunedin, and ns soon as she was berthed a start was immediately made to discharge it into lighters alongside. Tho lighters will take it to Dunedin. Tho Arctic was expected to leave this afternoon for Lyttelton. The Arctic victuals the whole fleet at present in Now Zealand waters. _ She proceeds from Lyttelton to Wellington and Auckland, thence to Samoa. Thence the Arctic proceeds to Honolulu to load a fresh cargo of supplies. The Arctic is commanded by Commander J. W. Ferguson, and his officers are Lieutenants M. H. Eldridge (executive officer), S. L. Slade (navigator), E. A. Whited, and R. H. Quynn, Ensigns J. R. Loremore, C. Adair, and J. F. Lieutenant F. L. Kelly (medical officer), Lieutenant A. R. Schofield (supply officer), E. Swisher (chief boatswain), Ralph Lane (chief machinist), E. G. Williams (chief carpenter), Garret Boot (pay clerk), W. J. Laxson (assistant supply).

THE FIRST FINE DAY THE AUCKLAND DETACHMENT. [Pun United Pju:ss Association.] AUCKLAND, August 14. The cold, stormy -weather which has prevailed since the clay of the fleet’s arrival to-day gave place to sunshine, the men ashore taking full advantage of the perfect conditions for sightseeing. Admiral Robison and 250 officers left for .Rotorua this morning, accompanied by Sir James Purr, representing the Government. On Monday 200 officers proceed to Rotorua and fifty officers to Hamilton. “ YOUNG HOODLUMS " ANNOYING THE VISITORS. CHRISTCHURCH INDIGNATION. [Pen United Pukes Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, August, U. Indignation was warmly expressed by many citizens to day at yesterday evening’s events, and there in a general demand that the police should be instructed to take a firm line with the young hoodlums who are disgracing the city by annoying the sailors. The naval men are earning warm praise for their good conduct. [Tin's lias reference to a report on another page relating how the visitors were so annoyed by a Email section of disorderly persons that the commander, fearing trouble, recalled all men on shore leave.]