U.S. FLEET

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 1 August 1925, Page 5

U.S. FLEET

EXAGGERATED STORIES. PUBLISHED IN U.S. PRESS. UNPLEASANT INCIDENT. \. BX CABLE-PEESS ASSOCIATION—COPYEIGHT. MELBOURNE, July 31. A story published by the Associated Press ot America states that there have been many assaults on American sailors in Australia, and ail attempt was made to boycott the fleet. Congressman McCiintic, who i s accompanying the fleet, sent a message to President Coolidge saying that the statement that sailors were being attacked and the fleet boycotted were absolutely without foundation. As the result of special inquiries he had made lie could not hear of a single occurrence to which the word attack or boycott could be appiied. He concluded by stating: “The whole of Australia ...s gLven us a most wonderful'y sinceie welcome.” . , Admiral Coontz said he had heard nothing of the fleet being boycotted. The men were being taken to the homes of citizens and were having a first-class „od time in a very excellent manner. ' The Federal Premier (Mr. S. M. Bruce) expressed the regret of the federal Government at the misleading statements being published in America. He said he had been in two States and ha seen for himself the- -warmth of the greeting extended everywhere to the fleet. As far as he knew there had not been a single regrettable incident. Mr M. Connors, representative with the fleet of the Associated Press of America, stated that he thought the statement referred to him. He denied that hi<= despatches had been ot an alarmist order. References to a, boycott related to the earlier threats of extremists to boycott the fleet. He maintained that messages regarding the attacks on sailors were borne out by newspaper -reports. *AIr Rothman, correspondent for the New York Times, said his despatches never mentioned anything of the nature complained of. , . Admiral Robinson, interviewed in Sydney regarding tlie above, said that so far as he gathered his men were verv nleased with their reception. He regarded minor disturbances which had occurred as being rare of occasioh and .eoligib’e in degree. An American sailor, whose name was not disclosed, was found badly injured on board the warship Omaha and later died on board. Until inquiries are completed no further statement will be m <>jie of tlie seaplanes attached to the Pennsylvania, in attempting to execute a loop, dived 200 feet into the ~sea and sank. The crew were rescued.

MARRIAGE OF SAILORS. TO AUSTRALIAN GIRLS. Received Aug. 1, 10.55 a-.m. MELBOURNE, Aug. 1. It is reported that already two sailors from the visiting fleet have been married to Australian girls, and a young officer is definitely known to have arranged an. early wedding. One officer estimated that at least hity weddings will be celebrated before the fleet leaves. SAILOR COMMITS SUICIDE. Received Aug. 1, 10.55 a.m. MELBOURNE, Aug. 1. The American sailor from the Omaha who was found- dead last night was named A. L. Taiti, of Michigan. The board of inquest found that he committed suicide by cutting his throat. He had been in ill health for some time and had lately become depressed. VISITORS WIN SHOOTING MATCH. Received Aug. 1, 10.55 a.m. SYDNEY. Aug. 1. A shooting match between teams from the United States fleet, the National Rifle Association, citizen forces, and the Australian Navy was- won by the United States.