U.S. FLEET.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 27 July 1925, Page 5

U.S. FLEET.

WEEK END ASHORE

EVENTS IN SYDNEY AND

MELBOURNE

BY CABLE-PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT

SYDNEY, July 26. During yesterday big batches of men found their way to the Elandwick races and other sports. .Hundreds roamed the streets and at night time- invaded the city. Strong .patrol* from the warships, who make short work of any recalcitrants, had a busy time clearing up stragglers. Considerable numbers of visitors are taking full advantage of the open hotels. Strong appeaLs are appearing in the press* urging stricter measures on the i»art of both the local and the fleet authorities to protect the army of youhful visitors against themselves and those taking advantage of then weaknesses. The chief feature of yesterday’s celebrations was a Venetian carnival at night. The harbour presented a magnificent .spectacle, being lit up by searchlights . from the warships. A splendid display of fireworks followed, immense crowds gathered on the foreshores and all commanding positions in the city and suburbs. The only serious engagement for the Americans yesterday was the Commercial Travellers’ Association’s banquet in the evening, at which the chief guest was Admiral BobinsOn who, detained by other duties, arrived late. Three times the band was misled by fake reports of his entry and ..struck up “The Star-spangled Banner,” befofe lie actual lv arrived. MELBOURNE, July 26. A dense fog descended on the c-ity last night and bushed many American sailors who were wandering in the city. Many found beds at the Y.M.C.A. hostel. Others found lodgings, but many spent the night in the streets. Boats sent from the warships were unable, to locate the pier, thus stranding many units who otherwise would have been comfortably .accommodated with beds on board. The city, lit up by searchlights, was

gay la«st night. The' streets were everywhere thronged and theatres were crowded, including r, big sprinkling of Americans, who were enjoying shore leave thousand's strong. Many were being entertained by residents, at parties and other functions in their honour. The special, race meeting proved one of tha day’s .attractions. Muring the iate< hours of Friday night and early on Saturday morning taxi-drivers and piemen reaped a rich liarveet from hundreds of hungry, be-

nighted sai'lormen, who bad lost their bearings in the dense log. It was well into the forenoon before many recovered their .sailing directions. .Excepting three who are still in a .serious condition, all the victims of the verandah collapse are progressing favou ra-bl v.

SYDNEY

.July 26

There were no official fleet engagements in either Sydney o.r Alelboiune to-day. Religious oigaiii>sations and churches combined in looking after tiie men’s moiv.i-l interest, making them feel at home. Specially attractive .services were held in many churches and Americans were present in goodly numbers. The streets and holiday resorts of the two cities disclose a good sprinkling of visitors. Thus early in their stay they have managed to pick up lady consorts.

Tire liveliest remembrance of the march of two thousand Americans through Melbourne on Friday is the prompt and effective aid rendered itr preventing a stampede and rescuing the won ruler 1 when the verandah coMap-e occurred. This won warm places in the hearts of the Victorians. Tie procession was held up forty minutes till the wounded were removed and the line of march had been cleared from the invading crowds. Muring the. long and raid wait both the seamen and the spectators showed a commendable reserve of patience. After- the accident Admiral Coontz sent, the Lord Mayor the fleet’s sympathy with the injured, adding: “If anything can he done to assist, consider us nil at vour immediate service.”

The police- in both Sydney and Melbourne have received numerous comnlaints that the visiting .sailors are being taken down, by sharpers, some being relieved of large srttrns. Thev have advised them to. leave money, beyond their actual requirements, in. a. safe place.