AMERICANS RECALLED TO SHIPS

Horowhenua Chronicle, 14 August 1925, Page 3

AMERICANS RECALLED TO SHIPS

Hostile Element in Christchurch AFFRAY ,1N CITY SQUARE. DECISION CAIISES SENSATION, (Per Press Association.)' CHRISTCHURCH, August 14. Some sensation* was caused in Christchurch last night when it became known that all men on leave from the American Squadron had been ordered back to their ships. It is understood that the action of the authorities was taken because of trouble caused by a small disorderly section in the city bent' on annoying the sailors, and following an affray in Victoria Square. One of the older sailors, after the affray, said strict orders had been given that there must be no fighting under- even the severest provocation. The men had been ordered hot to retaliate,* but to move on when .individuals became truculent towards them. He was convinced that the affray would not have taken place If .disparaging remarks had not been passed during the parade, LARRIKINS RAISE DISCORDANT NOTE. INCIDENTS ON THE MARCH. CHRISTCHURCH CROWDS UNDEMONSTRATIVE. Thursday night’s Christchurch Star has the following references to the parade in the city yesterday morning:— Dense crowds lined the route of the historic ceremonial parade of American sailors through the city this morning, and the visitors were given a cordial reception. The businesslike appearance of the Americans in their full fighting kit created a very favourable impression on the crowds but, as is usual in Christchurch, the public were undemonstrative during the march. Throughout the route of the march the streets were lined with rows (i . people and all windows and verandahs were occupied, while numbers had chosen positions on the roofs of buildings. Many children carried flags which they waved joyously as the Americans passed. As the procession passed the Clo?k Tower where the crowd was particularly dense, the sailors were given a hearty cheer, but at other points there was a lack of any demonstration. The demeanour" of the crowd was friendly to the Americans but there was a small yahoo element which did not refrain from passing insulting remarks. ’ LAUIUKINTSM. In Cashel Street a few larrikins started to boohoo the visitors, but they were quickly silenced by the others in the crowd. “Give them a cheer; , be sports,” called a ladv and'cheers followed he; remarks. Red and blue streamers fluttering from Stewart Dawson’s building where there were people on the roof and at all the windows denoted a more friendly attitude. “They are a solemn-looking lot,” remarked another lady outside Ballantyne’s and her observation was endorsed by her friend. The Americans certainly appeared to be anxious to, create a favourable impression and there can be no doubt that they suecggclgcl. AT BRIDGE OF REMEMBRANCE. The band, which had been playing lively tunes while proceeding along Cashel Street, ceased playing on reaching the Bridge of Remembrance, which was passed over in siThe procession then continued along Cambridge Terace and down Worcester Street to Rolleston Avenue, where the first of the school children were met. Here there was a tremendous outburst of enthusiasm, and the cheering and flag-waving continued right along Armagh Street. POLICE ACTION DEMANDED. INDIGNATION IN CHRISTCHURCH. (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, August-14. Indignation was expressed by many citizens to-day at last night’s events and there is a. general demand that the police should be instructed to take a firm line with young hoodlums who are dis'gracing the city by annoying the sailors. The naval men are earning warm praise for their good conduct. FINE WEATHER IN AUCKLAND. THE FIRST SINCE FLEET ARRIVES (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, August 14. The (dold stormy weather which has prevailed since the day of the Fleet’s arrival to-day gave place to sunshine and the men ashore are taking full advantage of the perfect conditions for sight-seeing. Admiral Robison and 250 officers left for Rotorua this morning accompanied by Sir James Parr, representing the Government. On Monday 200 officers proceed to Rotorua and 50 officers to Hamilton.