THE FLEET

Evening Star, Issue 19020, 15 August 1925, Page 3

THE FLEET

POLICE PRAISE OUR QUESTS MODEL BEHAVIOUR THE CHRISTCHURCH “ INCIDENT " [Special to the ‘Star.’] CHRISTCHURCH, August 14. Police Superintendent M'Kinnon stated to-day that no complaints concerning the conduct of the American sailers had been brought under hip notice, and the inspector and sub-in-spector had told him that there were no grounds for any complaints. “The sailors are a well-behaved body of men/' added the superintendent, “ and 1 can only speak of them with the greatest respect.” When the reporter mentioned that the public seemed to be of the opinion that the police should take stronger action against hoodlums who got into lights with the sailors, Superintendent M‘Kinnon replied that the police were doing everything possible to protect the public, and nothing that had yet happened could be regarded as serious. With regard to the disturbance in Victoria square last night, Superintendent M'Kinnon said that the reports he had received were to the effect that the affair was not of a serious character, but apparently the American patrol officers considered it was necessary to take drastic action in regard to their own men. Indignation was warmly expressed in the city to-day in regard to the affrays. There was a strong feeling that the local police should bo instructed to take a firm lino with the hoodlums who are insulting the visitors, and so defaming the fair name of the city. It is considered intolerable that a few “ roughs ” should be permitted to spoil the enjoyment of some thousands of men. As far as the behaviour of tho American seamen is concerned, the public now have no complaint whatever. Their first afternoon ashore was a little hectic, but the offenders were only a few who had made some miscalculation. The sailors are conducting themselves very well indeed, and are making many friends. They go about tho streets quietly, and are responsive to manifestations of goodwill. “ It may be said emphatically ” (says to-night’s" ‘ Star’) “that tho attitude of the general public is entirely sympathetic with the 'American sailors, and that the great majority of people are glad to see them here, and to extend the hospitality of the community to them. The feeling is that there is a danger of the great body of friendly feeling being submerged by the actions of a few fellows of baser sort. On all sides nothing but praise is heard for the good conduct of the great body of Americans since they arrived at Lyttelton.” Police Superintendent M'Kinnon stated to-day that not a single complaint had reached him regarding the behaviour of the Americans, and he could only speak of them with the greatest respect. In view of that statement tho opinion expressed by one of the senior patrol officers this morning that more trouble had so far been experienced, in Christchurch than during the whole of the period of the fleet’s stay in Melbourne will come as a ihock to the Christchurch public. FUNCTIONS AT AUCKLAND ENTERTAINMENTS WELL PATRONISED. [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 14. Favored with fine weather, large crowds visited the American warships to-day. Admiral Robison and 200 officers left for Rotorua, and will return to-mor-row. The non-commissioned officers’ ball, held in the Town Hall in the evening, was largely attended. The chief centre of attraction for tho men in tho evening was tho Navy League function on the Princes wharf, where dancing and other entertainments were provided. A great number took advantage of the train services to visit the suburbs during the day. AT ROTORUA AND PALMERSTON NORTH [Per United Press Association.] ROTORUA, August 14. . Admiral Robison and 200 officers of the American fleet arrived at noon, and were received by the mayor and councillors, and entertained at a great Maori gathering at Ohinemutu. The welcome was most enthusiastic. The visitors are enjoying themselves greatly. PALMERSTON N., August 14. A detachment of twenty officers and 230 members of the American squadron from Wellington arrived here by special train this morning, and were taken on a tour of the district after being welcomed by the mayor (Mr F. J. Nathan). A programme of festivities was arranged for the visit, which was for one day only. BETTER WEATHER [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August 14. The weather moderated a little today, enabling some parties of officers and men oT the fleet to visit the country districts adjacent to Wellington. Admiral Coontz and the senior officers were guests at the New Zealand Club, at which there was a representative gathering. The Admiral, in acknowledging the hospitality, said it was impossible to accept all offers and still carry on the necessary work of the ships. The big social event to-night was the citizens’ ball in tho Town Hall. THE PROGRAMME SATURDAY, AUGUST 15. Visits by rail to Oamaru, Milton, and'Mosgiel:— 8.40 a.m.—To Oamaru for 300 officero and men, where they will be entertained bv local residents. 9.6 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 be entertained by local residents. 2 p.m.—The finish of the New Zealand cross-country championship will he decided on Forbury Park, to which the members of the ships company are invited. 3 p.m.—Rugby football at Carisbrook, to which, officers and men of the fleet are invited. 8 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 i 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 tho guests of the club.

8 p.m.—Dance, Early Settlers’ Hall, for up to 100 petty officers. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19. .

11 a.m.—Trotting meeting at Forbury Park, to which all 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.