AMERICAN FLEET.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 24 July 1925, Page 9

AMERICAN FLEET.

A CHILLY TIME.

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION— COPYRIGHT. Received July 24, 2.15 p.m toYDTvEY, July 24. Speeches at last night s official dinner to the visiting American Admiral and his officers were chiefly at a mutually compliment ary chaii'actei. MELBOURNE, July 24.

The unfortunate incident in connection with the steamer Weerooma., with the inclemency of the weather -and the late hour at which the warships, came up the hay robbed the welcmoe ot some of the enthusiasm, and spectacular elfeefc anticipated. Nevertheless, despite weather conditions, great crowds fathered along the foreshores and cheered the ships as they majestically followed each other in a. long line, the crews manning their ships. u hue visitors responded eagerly to the cineeiing and flag waving from the shore. After anchoring, the remainder of the day was spent chiefly in paying and receiving official calls and other socia functions. , To-day, when the men came ashore, the .public will have a, better chance of displaying their feelings.. The ca-ty has been bedecked and has prepared itself in readiness, and if the weather permits, the .streets will present a brave sight. Mrs Coates, the wife of New Zea - land’s’ Prime Minister,, was among the guests aboard the Weerooma,, who were robbed of -their expected trip. _ Whenthe flagship Seattle was opposite fat. Kilda, as she came up the bay, five aeroplanes rose from her decks and: circled over the column. Tit is estimated that over half a million people gathered at vantage oointsi along the ninety miles of the bay front to welcome the fleet. Admiral Coonta’s -squadron comprises forty-four vessels of various tonnage, and it took nearly two, hours for the whole fleet to pass the heads. Tim journey up, by following on the heelfl of the pilot, was very slow owing to mudlbanks -and other dangers. Tlno monster flagship Seattle had to do considerable manoeuvring before it was berthed -at- Primness Pier at Port Melbourne. Tt was late afternoon before the .admirals landed to pay official calls. Subsequently four thousand men were given shore leave and -invaded; tho city at night, enjoying themselves freely, but the full-toned welcome, which Sydney was able to- give the parading navy yesterday, was reserved for today. ,