JACKIES ASHORE

Evening Star, Issue 19020, 15 August 1925, Page 10

JACKIES ASHORE

COUNTRY OUTINGS ENJOYED SEARCHLIGHT DISPLAY TOHSKSHT ‘‘Yes, we’re enjoying ourselves immensely,” was the reply of an officer of the admiral’s staff to a query this morning, “ and the longer we stay the better we like it.” Me added that there were more offers for hospitality and for the entertainment of both officers and men than could possibly be accepted. Everywhere they had been treated with the greatest kindness, and visit would long be remembered, both for its pleasant recollections and its educational value. “ How did the term ‘ gob ’ originate? ” asked the interviewer. The officer replied that he did not know; he had been in the navy for a good many 'years, and the term was in use before his entry . “ No, most of the men do not object to it,” he said, “ though there is a danger of its use being overdone. It really has the same meaning at “bluejacket,” which you call your navy men.” The health of the men was said to be excellent. Though they had been on a long cruise, and passed through varying degrees of climate, there had been practically’ no sickness, apart, of course, from the dreaded mal-dc-tner, which is a comraou thing among feven old “ salts ” on the flush-decked destroyer in heavy, spas. CHILDREN ABOARD “Hello, babe,” was the cheerful Sting of the American sailor to the ren, to tho number of 3.000, school members of the Navy League who visited the Decatur and three other destroyers specially set apart for them yesterday afternoon. It is evident that the visitors have a warm spot in their hearts for the kiddies, for whom they could not spare too many pains in explaining the workings of tho guns and torpedoes, and answering the hundred-and-one. questions which arise in the youthful mind. The children who wore lucky enough to bo aboard will have pleasant recollections for many days of the American sailorman. RECEPTION ON MELVILLE Admiral Marvell and his officers will hold a reception aboard the Melville from 4 to 6 o’clock on Wednesday evening, to which will ho invited the mayor and a large number of leading citizens. It is expected that about 300 invitations will be issued. The Melville will not be open to the public on Wednesday. SEARCHLIGHTS TO-HICHT Dunedin will see something brilliant to-night between 8 o’clock and 8.30, when no fewer than thirty searchlights will be switched on, and, working in concert, will swathe the hills and town in a blaze of light. Again on Monday night, between the same hours, the searchlights wil Igivo a display. Such a display entails a good deal of work find organisation, but our visitors are only too glad and willing to do anything to give us some enjoyment. HOSPITALITY AT MIDDLEMARGH Probably the men who have the most to say ou tho boats this morning are those who were members of the party that went to Middlemarch yesterday. They wax enthusiastic about the railway ride through mountains and over deep ravines, with charming streams running a hundred feet below. For most of them such a railway trip was unique. And to cap the wonders of such a ride came the splendid reception and generous treatment by the people of Middlemarch and surrounding districts. Motors a-plenty were at their service, and they were driven miles out into the back, and saw something of farm life and methods on a big and email scale. All the settlers’ homes •were open, and so wore their larders. Happy and tired, the boys returned to Dunedin wishing ardently for such another trip. Such complimentary remarks were said of the trip, and so enthusiastic about it were the visitors, that it Ims been decided to send another fifty up on Monday. BASEBALL MATCH The teams which will meet in the baseball game on Monday afternoon at Carishrook will be representative respectively of tho destroyers Decatur and Stodclort. PALMERSTON ENTERTAINS WELL ’ Palmerston was en fete yesterday, when a hundred American sailors invaded the town, and after a day crammed full of pleasant experiences and sights returned to Dunedin with nappy memories of their trip. When the train arrived the visitors were met at the railway station by representatives of tho town and country, and so thoroughly had the arrangements been planned that within a few minutes the visitors were seated at a sumptuous repast in the town hall, where toasts were proposed and complimentary remarks exchanged. The town, too, was found not to be so “ dry ” as might have been expected. Then there was another treat in store—sufficient motor cars being provided to take all the visitors out to places of interest and to the homes of tho settlers. Later they were brought back to the hall, where dancing, of which tho American sailor seems very fond, was kept up for several hours. Then afternoon tea and a. reluctant departure, before which the visitors .on all sides expressed their appreciation of the welcome accorded them. VISIT TO EXHIBITION P.ear-Admiral Marvel] and his principal officers, accompanied by the mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley) and members of the Exhibition Company directorate, paid a visit of inspection this morning to the Exhibition buildings, and passed very complimentary remarks on tho size and lay-out of the buildings and grounds. AMERICAN BAND AT MONTECILLO Twenty-eight bandsmen from the fleet had a fine time yesterday afternoon at the Montecillo Red Cross Horae. They played and danced and made things pleasant both for the patients and the st , and incidentally for themselves. i a was delighted. Among tho many good things Stayed by the band was a variation on he old favorite, ‘ Home. Sweet Home,’ the air being played iq the_ style of tho music of the different nations of the world. The band boys have been given the freedom of the Convalescent Homo, end will be made very welcome whenever they blow up that way’. CHURCH SERVICES Rear-admiral Marvell, United States navy, has intimated his intention of attending service to-morrow forenoon at First Church, with representatives of his staff. Special services will be held in connection with the visit, and .members of the fleet will be given an opportunity to accept hospitality in homes of_ people after _ the service iii the morning, commencing at 11. An organ recital will bo given by Dr V. E. Galway at the close of the evening service (from 7.45 to 8.15), after which refreshments will be provided by the ladies of First Church. The Rev. E. N. Herrington, Ph.D. (Harvard), will preach on ‘An Ancient Parable of Modern International Relationships,’ in the morning, and on ‘ The Great Adventure’ at night. BAND’S CONCERT BROADCASTED The band of the Melville broadcasted a concert from 4YA on Thursday evenIng. The tone, time, and balance were of°a high order, and reflect credit on the skin and ability of Bandmaster Bion Mills and the members. The selec-

tions were: ‘ Stars and Stripes For Ever,’ overture ‘ Prince of India,’ ‘ La Paloma,’ ‘Moonlight and Roses,’ foxtrot ‘ My Best Girl,’ ‘ S'ongs from the Old Folk,’ ‘ Rock-a-hye,My Baby Blue, • The Fairest of the Fair,’ ‘ Hawaiian Selection, Lower B,” ‘ Boys of New Zealand, ‘ Star-spangled Banner,’ and ‘ God. Save the King ’; trios, ‘ Ham and Eggs,’ 1 Solomon Isaacs,’ and ‘My Hoola Girl,’ by Messrs M‘Gara, Croft, and Johansen; songs, ‘ Tho Stoker ’ and ‘ Tho Admiral’s Broom,’ by Mr Baxter, and ‘ I Did Not Know,’ by Mr Ray Butler. Tho accompaniments were played by Mr Ewart. The programme included a cornet and saxaphone duet, ‘ Will You Remember?’ which was given by Messrs Callan. and Gilbert. Mr F. J. O’Neill voiced the thanks of the listoncrs-in for tho treat given by this first-class band. A group of ladies from the Y.W.O.A. dispensed supper, which was liberally provided by Messrs R. Hudson and Co. Throughout the concert a largo crowd inside and outside listened to this hand being broadcasted. CHILDREN OF ERIN HUSH SOCIETY’S WELCOME. The monthly meeting of tho Dunedin liisli Society was hold last night in tho Waratah Tea Rooms. Present were a number of officers and men of tho United States navy. The meeting was opened with tho society’s National Anthem, at the conclusion of which the accompanist played the ‘ Star-Spangled Banner.’ The president (Mr J. Maguire) then warmly welcomed the officers and moil of the licet, who had responded in such large numbers to the society’s invitation. Tho President then read the following address: — Officers and men of tho United States fleet: We, tho Irish Society of Now Zealand, welcome you in our midst this evening. It is with feelings of extreme pleasure that we take tins opportunity of extending to you, the representatives of that free and gloiious country wherein such vast numbers of our ancestors, the exiled

sons and daughters of Erin, found a home. With this remembrance, in welcoming you to-night wo feel ’tis but the reunion of one largo family linked by this bond of kinship. We trust your sojourn in Now Zealand will be a very pleasant one, leaving you many happy recollections of our country and our people, and should yon ever return to our shores you are assured of a Caed millo failte from society.

A good musical and elocutionary programme . was ■ presented as follows; Pianoforte duct. Misses Coughlan and Slieehy: song, ‘ Oft in the Stilly Night,' Mr DulFy; song, Kate •OhShano, Miss Duncan; recitation, 1 Shielsd .'Reply,’ Miss Gallagher; song, ‘For the Green,” IMiss Valli.s; guitar duct, ‘ Wearing o’ the Green,’ Campbell and Sheehy; song, Mrs M‘Kay; song, ‘’Tis Quiet Down Hero,’ Miss Halligan; recitation, ‘Top of the Morning,’ Mr T. F. Ryan; recitation, Miss Healey; song, ‘ Killarney,’ Miss Bills; Irish jig, Miss 'Wells; song, Miss Duncan. Later Bishop 'Whyte ('patron of the chib) said ho most cordially endorsed the sentiments conveyed in the address presented that evening to the officers and men of the fleet who had responded to the Irish Society’s invitation. The bishop (who was often applauded) spoke at some length on the bonds of kinship existing between English-speak-ing countries, making special reference to the great American Republic. Chief Petty-officcr Feisler, of the Kennedy, responded in eloquent terms, and in conclusion called for three hearty cheers for the Irish Society, which were lustily given. The floor was then cleared, and dancing was indulged in till a late hour. OTHER ITEMS The members of the St. Joseph’s Ladies’ Club held a very successful dance in the Victoria Hall on Tuesday evening. About 150 officers and men of the American fleet attended as guests, and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The music was kindly supplied by the Dixieland Orchestra. To-day a party of a hundred entrained for Milton, 200 went to Mosgiel. and 300 went to Oamaru. Tno Admiral and his officers will visit the Mosgiel Woollen Mills on Monday afternoon. The facilities in Q shed for letterwriting, playing games, dancing, and musical entertainment are being liberally availed of by the visitors, who ail are grateful to the ladies in charge. WE’RE “ PALLING UP " FINE YANKEE SAILOR A GOOD CHAP GET TO KNOW HIM. America and Dunedin are “ palling up ” tine. There is no doubt about it. Our men—and, yes, our girls—are getting to know the Yankee naval men, and to know them is to like them. It was characteristic of Dunedin that the visitors should be closely scrutinised and keenly, though not unkindly, criticised on arrival, for were they not something now? But the outspoken friendliness of the average Yankee has dsarmed these critics, who were so ready to bark—and occasionally to bite —and, further, has completely won over the fair-minded majority.

Those officers who were with the American fleet which touched at Now Zealand seventeen years ago know something of the people. Commander Ingram was one of these officers, and he* 3 told his men after they left Australia that they would not be “ rushed ” as they were in the Commonwealth ports. “The Now Zelanders will judge you,” he said, “according to the standard you set, and they’ll wait a bit and see wffiat that standard is.” Which shows that Commander Ingram is an observant officer. “ But, believe me,” he remarked to a reporter this morning, “ our boys are going to leave boro thinking as highly of your people as they do of any people they’ve so far mot.” Which bears out our opening statement—that America and Dunedin are “palling up” fine. The local critics may bo reminded that, while Great Britain has centuries of sea tradition behind her, it is only comparatively recently that the smell of salt spray and gunpowder combined has assailed the nostrls of the American sailor. Further, America is a polyglot nation in the process of melting down into a solid mass, and consequently the motley gathering of shapes, sizes, and colors comprising its navy is but characterstic of the nation. Where this conglomeration scores, if w r e he not mistaken, is perhaps not in the breadth of beam or depth of chest, but in the quality of the grey matter which tops all this. The keenness of the young fellows at their work on board the Melville and the various _ destroyers is obvious, while conversation with the average “ Jackie ” unearths a keenness of intellect that is equally striking. The Yankee sailor’s rig-out doesn’t help him any. That pork pie cap, which suggests a cook from a restaurant; those trousers which are a cut between the nether garments beloved of “ the Rocks ” of Wooloomooloo, and (minus the pearlies) those which adorn ’Arry on ’Axnpstead ’Eath; and those reefer jackets, which bring the wearer’s shoulders up about, his ears—all these are inclined to make the U.S.A. tar look like thirty cents. But, in spite of Carlisle and Dennis Bradley, clothes are not everything; and, pie cap, Wooloomooloo pants, and hunchback reefer apart, the Yankee visitor is a courteous, breezy, friendly chap. And wo like him.

As to the officers, one cannot but be struck by the approachablenoss, the courtesy, the helpfulness, and the efficiency 'which characterise them. From

the Admiral down they all evince a friendly interest in the local visitor, even though lie be but a pressman, and a willingness to impart all the information that is available. And everything is done with a courteous' directness that is rather refreshing as compared to the assumed haughtiness and, indifference of tho average English naval or military officer. The latter is a lino chap, when you bore beneath his monocle, so to speak; but the more democratic and downright Yankee certainly appeals to the colonial mind. vSo when you see a Yankee, or a couple of thorn, mooning .around and looking a hit bored because they have gazed several times into every shop window in Princes and George streets, and have braved the perils of the Maryhill and Kaikorai tram lines—in short, have squeezed the town dry—just walk right up and s*vy “Hulloa”, ask them about tho Californian prune orchards, the stock yards in Chicago, or about Coney Island. Ask their opinion concerning tho relative merits of colonial ale and malted milk, and it is a certainty that in a few minutes you will be leaning up against tho—or—tea table, and thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. THE NAVAL PATROL A HELPFUL PARTY NOT SKULL-CRACKERS.” “ There's one thing wo’d like to set right,” said the officer in charge of the Naval Police Patrol (Commander ingrain) to a ‘ Star ’ reporter this morning, “ and that is the impression that appears to have got abroad that we are a party of ‘ skull-crackers,’ As a matter of fact, tho patrol do not interfere or do anything unless there is absolute need.” Commander Ingram went on to say that the object of tho patrol is twofold—to make things easier for the local police force and to bettor control tho conduct of the naval men. This supervision and control is exercised even when tho men are ashore in their native country. The system was instituted seventeen years ago, when the American warships first toured the world, and the methods have been since tried out and found to be in tho host interests of the men. The patrol now doing duty in Dunedin consists of 11 officers and 42 men, and is directly under the control of the'• admiral, who issues his orders through Commander Ingram. The members are detached from their respective ships, and live at hotels ashore during the stay of the fleet. Any “ Jackie ” who makes a, real nuisance of himself ashore is taken to the police, station, and thence to his ship, whore lie awaits punishment. He is tried by bis commanding officer under regular police court conditions, witnesses being examined and so forth. The officers of the patrol are warm in their praise of the' assistance rendered tho patrol by the local police force, and arc gratified at the coordination and good fellowship that exists. Whatever it is, there is no doubt that, considering the number of young men at a loose end in a strange town, the conduct of our visitors has been exemplary. “ But make it plain, please,” said the commander in conclusion, “ that we are not ‘ skull-crackers.’ We don’t like to he thought such. Our idea is to got a follow before ho is ‘ full,” if possible, and to bring him to the station, let him sit around for an hour or two and get right, and then take him to his ship.” iOSSIEL’S WELCOME " A RED LETTER DAY." In greeting the thirteen officers and 150 odd men of the United States fleet who were its guests to-day Mosgicl left no doubt as to the warmth of its welcome. Tho borough was bristling with hunting, and practically all Mosgiel took part in the vociferous cheering that greeted the arrival of the detachment. A rather comprehensive programme was arranged for the occasion, beginning with a public welcome which included a procession to the Coronation Hall, a sports programme at the park following; while to-night, after tea in the Coronation Hail, two concerts are scheduled to take place in the Coronation and Presbyterian Halls respectively. The procession to tho hall was headed by the Taieri Pipe Band, tho visitors following in their wake. Tho Mosgiel Brass Band was next, and then came the children of the Mosgiel State School, the Mosgiel School Band, the children of tho North Taieri, East Taieri, Convent, and High Schools, tiie Girl Guides, and tho Boy Scouts. . ■ The visitors, who were led by Lieu-tenant-commander TV. R. Monroe, were then given places of honor in the hall ( the welcome being hold there instead ot at the park, owing to the uncertainty of the weather. The Mayor (Mr J. P. Walls), tho chairman of the Taieri County Council (Mr C. Findlay), and other local body representatives were seated with the staff officers on the platform. So generous was the response of tho residents that the various hosts who agreed to entertain parties of visitors to luncheon wore found to be far in excess of the number of guests. Many wouldbe hosts were quite disconsolate at this discovery, which, however, only strengthens tho sincerity of Mosgiol’s hospitality. Tho official welcome was interspersed with items by two bands and the massed choir of school children. Both gave interpretations of ‘Tho Star Spangled Banner,’ ‘ God Defend Now Zealand,’ and oilier selections. The singing of the children was the subject of complimentary references by the visitors, and Lieutenant-commander Munroo declared that even in America ho had not heard children singing ‘The Star Spangled Banner ’ so well. The Mayor described tho occasion as one of Mosgiol’s “red-letter days.” Though the slay of the fleet was short, tho welcome of the people was warm, ami Mosgiel, in spite pi the fact that the stay of tho men visiting them that day was brief, did not wish to ho behind in its expression of sincere goodwill. It was pleasing to bo able to make personal as well as national friendship. The Mayor then referred to tho remarks made by Rear-Admiral Marvell on tho subject of the kinship between the two races, and spoke of the significance of tho fleet’s visit to New Zealand shores in developing a better mutual understanding. New Zealand’s sons had had experience of America’s hospitality, and some of them wore among the gathering that day. if Mosgiel’s hospitality could repay that in a small way, the function was worth while.

Extending a welcome on behalf of the Taieri County, Mr Chas. Findlay, county chairman, spoke of the kinship between the American and British races, and stated that back of the aspirations of the American peoples was the same spirit that had animated the pioneers of Now Zealand—a common tradition, which was the bond of their friendship that day. Even more closely were they bound by a common language., Mr Findlay, reminding his hearers that a big proportion of the population of Otago was of Scottish extraction, remarked that perhaps among their guests were a good many who would claim to he “Jock Tamson’s bairns.” Mosgiel derived its name from the farmhouse in which the poet Burns first saw tli© light of day, and his lines referring to the time

“ When man to man the world o’er Shall brithers be and a’ that ”

were an application appropriate to the occasion. (Applause.) Ho hoped the occasion would enrich them with pleasant memories of their visit, and with the realisation that, coming as strangers, they went as friends. The county welcomed them not only as members of the fleet, but as representatives of the great and illustrious land of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Before giving his heat acknowledgment of the welcome Lieutenant-com-mander Munroe had a rousing reception. One of the main objects of the criuse, he said, was to meet the people of Australia and Now Zealand. It was true that they were mostly of the same stock, but there was also quite a mixture, and, he thought, a pretty good mixture at that. (Laughter.) He himself was a Scotsman, but a citizen of the United States. Speaking of the men of the fleet, he stated that the men who were present in the hall were a fairly good cross section of the United States people. It had boon remarked that they wore practically all young men, and that was true. In the United States navy the men did not make the navy their profession to the same extent as in the British Navy. Many after their four years’ service would go back to civil life, with the benefit of the knowledge they had gained in respective trades. The cruise m Australia and New Zealand waters added Mr Munroe, would do more good towards the development of a better understanding than anything the United States had attempted since the visit of the ‘‘Great White Fleet” in 1903. (Applause.) As to the effect on New Zealand, there was the aspect of the mop of the fleet writing thousands of letters and sending homo the New Zealand papers, and iii the next two months the people of the United States would know more about New Zealand than they had even known before. The informal introductions of hosts and guests provided a happy episode. The Pipe Band was a big attraction for the visitors, some of whom insisted in making camera records of the magnifienco of the Highland costumes. FINE WEATHER AT OAMARU. [Per Uniter Press Association.] OAMARU, August 15. In fine weather nearly .100 officers and men arrived by special train at midday. After a welcome by the mayor (Mr M'Dermid), the party was entertained at luncheon. Later they marched fo the sports ground to see a football match. They return by train this evening. AUCKLAND'S PERFECT WEATHER 500 MEN AT ROTORUA. [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND. August 15. Perfect weather gave the fleet visitors a, good day’s entertainment with the races at Eller,slic, and the usual Saturday's sporting events. Five hundred men of the fleet loft for Rotorua this morning. HEAVY RAID AT WELLINGTON OUTDOOR AMUSEMENTS DISORGANISE]). [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August 15. It is raining heavily this afternoon and it is very cold. The outdoor fixtures arranged for the American sailors will he badly interfered with, although the indoor fixtures will he little affected. This afternoon a contingent of officers left by train for Rotorua. KOTOR LAUNCH DRIVEN ASHORE A COMPLETE' LOSS. [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August 15. The motor launch from the Pennsylvania broke away from its moorings daring heavy weather last night, and was piled up on the rocks near tho Kaiwarra beach. The launch is a complete loss. THE CHRISTCHURCH IHOIBEHT. [Per United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, August 15. As a result of the insults to the American sailors, tho police arrested two country youths. William Jeffers Harrison and Jack William Green, on a charge of disorderly behaviour while drunk. They pleaded guilty, and were fined £2 each, in default seven days’ imprisonment.