U.S. FLEET

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 7 August 1925, Page 5

U.S. FLEET

ADVENTURES IN THE, BAY"

ONE DESTROYER AGROUND

ANOTHER RETURNS TO PORT

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT

Received August 7. 11.15 a.m. MELBOURNE, Aug. 7. While steaming down, the bay the United States destroyer Chase experienced engine trouble and returned to port. Another destroyer grounded on a sand bank at the sid e of the channel. Official reports .show that only nine men deserted in Melbourne.

SAILS FOR NEW ZEALAND. SYDNEY SAYS GOOD-BYE. SYDNEY, Aug. 6. Ihe fine weather which heraiued the arrival of the American fleet held throughout the visit, and the vessels steamed out of the harbour this morning, bound for Auckland, under bright, sunshiny skies. The crowds which had gathered along the foreshore to bid tarewell had a splendid view of the stately procession of big ships as they j passed down the bay and gradually M laded over the horizon. t The lifting of anchors at 11 o’clock was greeted- with au outbreak of cock-a-doodliug from the ships in the harbour, and other noisy demonstrations from many small craft afloat, which continued' till the squadron passed through the heads. A steamer carrying the Ministerial party and a number of lauuches crowded with the public accompanied the warships down the harbour. The city assumed its normal appearance to-day, and it seems almost strange lacking the hundreds of whitecapped American- seamen strolliug through the streets, which has been such a feature of the past fortnight, and without the thousands of flags which floated over the buildings and decorated the streets. The visit on the whole is regarded as successful. The wives of Admiral Coontz and a number of other leading officers of the Sydney and Melbourne sections of the fleet sail for New Zealand in the Moeraki to-morrow morning. Admiral Robinson, in a farewell letter to the Lord Mayor, said the reception of the fleet set a standard of friendliness which the members of his command did not expect to find equalled in any other port they were to visit. They were most deeply impressed by the sentiment of genuine friendliness displayed by people in all walks of life. He concluded that they leave with the greatest regret, but will always remember the people of Sydney with the uttermost pleasure. The fleet was accompanied 10 miles out to sea by an aeroplane. Circling low over the flagship, the pilot waved good-bye. Admiral Robinson, in a letter to the Premier (Mr J. T. Lang), stated that the welcome as a demonstration of cordiality and friendship surpassed anything of a similar character he had v experienced.

MELBOURNE’S SEND-OFF. MELBOURNE, Aug. 6. The American fleet was busy at an early hour preparing for, the departure for Wellington. With' so many ships to handle and with the long trip down the bay to negotiate this was necessary. Some of the smaller craft moved from their moorings yesterday, ready to fall into line as the bigger vessels passed out. The weather conditions were more favourable than on the day of the fleet’s arrival, and the people, who gathered in large numbers around the bay, had a better opportunity of viewing the ships during the five hours which were occupied in passing from the anchorage through the heads, which were cleared about noon. Shipping decorated itself and gave the- visitors a rousing send-off with thrill blasts from sirens, and crowds of launches added their quota. Many took advantage of the excursion steamers, and a steamer with the official party on board joined the procession down the bay. Ten applications were made to the City Court by American sailors for leave to marry without giving 'The necessary three days’ notice, but only one was granted. The Federal Premier (Mr S. M.

Bruce), in a radio farewell message to Admiral Coontz, said he hoped he would carry a message of heartfelt goodwill from the people of Australia to the c-itizens of the United States, who in sending the fleet here paid A Australians a very great compliment ™ and forged a link of friendship which, he trusted, would never break. Admiral Coontz’s farewell dance on

board the three batteships was attended by 18.000 guests. It is officially renorted that onlv nine members of the Melbourne division failed to report before the fleet sailed. ‘When the roll was called at Port Phillip Bay it was discovered that 21 men were missing. Three of the warships, including the flagship f>eattle. experienced mechanical trouble in the passage down the bay. but the departure was not delaved. There were remarkable scenes of. enthusiasm as the fleet commenced its voyage. Each shin was a mas© of streamers, and the shores were lined with a cheering multitude as the fleet proceeded down the bav with Australian Air Force ’planes circling each vessel. The last heard of the fleet as it disappeared in the ha/e was the hard on each shin playing “The Girl I Left Behind Me.’’

COMMENTS ON THE VISTT. FRIENDS IN THE PACIFIC. NEW YORK, Aug. 5. The Herald-Tribune, dwelling upon the peaceful friendliness of the Eng-lish-spenkaing States, says: “Our fleet’s visit to Australia is an incident of the annual high seas training cruise, but it is also a gesture which emphasises the very friendlv relations existing between the United States and two of the British and Australian Commonwealths. As Pacific Powers their interests run parallel, and their outlook on Far Eastern problems is almost identical. “Canada falls into the same group, and Canada, Australia and the United States find themselves in harmony on most issues which arise, not only in

Pacific politics but also in general world politics. This is an entente not emboded in any formal political association, but resting on a secure foundation of common politics and interests. What they all desire is the maintenance of the status quo in the Pacific and the elimination of the causes of war in that region. For these three peoples co-operation has become almost a matter of course, and the expression of feeling behind 1 such co-operation is equally natural.” The Evening Post, commenting on the royal welcome to the fleet, says: “Since the jingoes on both sides of the Pacific have quietened down there is nothing to mar the visit of the American fleet ships to the Antipodes. On this side of the Pacific no effort will make it seem anything other than, an incident in the present cruise. On the other side of these waters the Japanese have refused to become excited about it. Such irritations and misgivings as existed a few months ago when the cruise began have vanished under the emollient of common sense, mixed with goodwill on both sides.”

FACILITIES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN. MINISTER’S PROMISE. FROM OUK PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER. WELLINGTON, Aug. 7. A plea that country school children should have facilities equal to those in the cities to inspect the American warships was put forward in an urgent question from Sir George Hunter (Waipawa) to the. Minister for Internal Affairs. IT© assured the Minister that very great interest was being taken in the matter by- these children, andl he hoped the Government would give them free transport. Mr Bollard replied that the Government had received no application for the conveyance of children from country districts, as was done) in the case of the British fleet ’s visit, when various societies interested themselves in the welfare of the country children. It was too late now to make the application. but, added the Minister, the Government will do its best to see that they are on the ships. “Are you running excursions?” asked a. member. The Minister replied that this was a matter for the Minister of Railways.