UNITED STATES FLEET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 17 July 1925, Page 5

UNITED STATES FLEET

MUSIC- ON THE VESSELS

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Austra)iaD & N.Z. Cable Association.)

(By Radio from the Battleship Seattle. —Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.)

The ships’ bands throughout the Fleet since leaving Honolulu have neon playing a great deal of music by Australian composers. The Seattle s luncheon, and dinner musical programmes usually include one Australian member. There have been received copies of at least five songs composed in Australia in honour of the visit of the fleet and distributed among the vessels. Considerable amusement was caused by ono song ,the music of which was the tune of an American sectional song which, , while popular in certain parts of the United States, is highly disliked in others, and since the fleet’s personnel is composed of men from all sections of the United States it could hardly be said that this particular Australian effort yould meet with any considerable success.

Admiral Coontz’s personal orchestra is known for excellent music, and wasmuch in demand at San Francisco and Honolulu for dance parties. There is also a jazz band aboard the ship which has been assiduously practising during the voyage and will perform in Australia.

Thursday, July 16.

Shortly before noon yesterday we ran into a heavy rain storm, which broke up the manoeuvres and gun-pointing practices. Strong winds continued throughout the day and night, but heavy rain seemed to flatten out the sea, and we rode through the storm with little difficulty, it’s only inconvenience being the postponement of deck sports and movies and confinement down below. The weather to-day is splendid. The sun is brilliant, and there are smooth seas and cool winds.