VISITORS TO SHIPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19098, 17 August 1925, Page 10

VISITORS TO SHIPS.

YESTERDAY'S HUGE CROWD.

TOTAL OF 45,000 TO 50,000,

CONTROL WITHOUT CONFUSION

' All Auckland seemed to gather on the waterfront-yesterday afternoon to inspect tho visiting battleships and it is estimated that from 45,0C0 to 50,000 visited tho vessels.'

The control of the huge crowd was carried out without a hitch or accident, and reflected great credit on those responsible for tho arrangements, and also on tho genera! public tvlio made no attempt to get out of hand. All tho ships i" the stream were again open from one to five o'clock, and for the first timo since her arrival the flagship, the California, at tho Prince's Wharf, was available to the public during tho same hours.

Tho California was most popular with visitors. Shortly after noon a queue, about live-deep, began to form from tho largo iron gates recently erected at the head of the wharf, and it soon extended past the launch waiting sheds. When the gates were eventually opened tho completeness of tho system of control became apparent. Marshalled by a special corps of 35 constables the people were allowed through the gates, 500 at a time. Further along tho wharf they wero divided into sections of 250 and proceeded past a second barrier on to tho battleship. After inspection they- left the wharf by a'separato route, most of them carrying out tho reminder given at tho barriers that they should not loiter about tho ship whon other persons wero waiting to come aboard. In this way 12,000 Aucklanders explored a modern battleship with a minimum of discomfort. At a quarter-past four the many persons still waiting at tho outer gates were refused admission, and by five o'clock tho California had practically been cleared. An Animated Scene. In the vicinity of tho launch steps and ferry tees dense crowds congregated, while a fleet of launches and feiry steamers, all packed to capacity, plied to tho ships at anchor throughout the afternoon. Seldom is such a scene of animation presented at the launch steps. The navy cutters were used to carry tho passholders to the ships and they made regular trips, each carrying 80 passengers. In their hundreds tho visitors swarmed over the vessels, explored every available passage and peered into every nook and cranny. It must have been a relief to the obliging guides when tho invasion ceased and the host retreated finally to the shore.

Amateur photographers bont on taking a few "snaps" on board met with disappointment. They were required to deposit their cameras at the gangway head before they could commence their tour. As they 'eft they presented a numbered card and received their cameras from a surprisingly large pile. Special provision was made to transport the visitors to their homes from Queen Street, which was thronged as at tho rushhour on a week-day. Extra tramcars and buses aided in the rapid dispersal. Country Visitors Impressed.

A special train arrived, from Hamilton about noon with nearly 1000 passengers and was despatched again at 5.30 p.m. Country visitors were profoundly impressed by the fleet. The spectacle of soven stately battleships riding at anchor, attended by speeding launches and commercial craft and a seaplane high in the blue heavens, banking and twisting like a wasp, is one that will live long in their memories.

THE FLEET'S DEPARTURE. LEAVING ON AUGUST 25.

Arrangements have been made for the American battleship fleet to leavo Auckland on tho morning of Tuesday, August 25, the tide being suitable then. The warships will leavo port in tho same order as they arrived. The California will remain at tho wharf until tho day of departure. She will leavo her berth at 9.30 a.m. for sea, followed by tho West Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, Ten nessee, New Mexico, Idaho and Mississippi. Given fine weather tho departure of tho warships should afford an interesting spectacular event,.

OFFICIAL PROGRAMME. THE NORTHERN CLUB BALL.

The arrangements made by the Citizens' Committee for the entertainment of the admirals, officers and men of the' American Fleet for the remainder of the visit are as follows: TO-DAY. Morning.—Fifty officers depart for Hamilton and 200 officers for Rotorua. Afternoon. —Ships in stream open to public, 1 to 5 p.m. Evening.—Northern Club ball, at Scots Hall. TO-MORROW. Auckland Club "At Home," 3 to 5 p.m.; Navy League visit to California, 2 p.m.; ships in stream open to public, 1 to 5 p.m.; officers return from Hamilton and Rotorua; 8 p.m.. boxing tournament arranged by tho Northern Boxing Association. REMAINDER OF STAY. Wednesday.—2 p.m., route march through the city by officers and men of the fleet; ships in stream open to public, 1 to 5 p.m.; Auckland Harbour Board dinner to the admirals and officers, at Hotel Cargen.

Thursday.—6.4 a.m., 550 men depart for Itotorua; 2.45 p.m., exhibition baseball match at Domain Cricket Ground. California v. Colorado; ships in stream open to public, 1 to 5 p.m.; ships illuminated at night. Friday.—Exhibition matches of American football at Victoria Park, J.. 30 p.m., West Virginia v. Tennessee; 0.15"p.m., Colorado v. New Mexico; ships in stream open to public, 1 to 5 p.m.; commercial travellers' social to officers; ships fllumin-" ated.

Saturday.—'s,4o n-m., 550 men depart for Rotorua; trotting meeting at Epsom; Association, Rugby and League football matches'; ships in stream open to public, 1 to 5 p.m.; entertainments by various orphans' clubs; concert arranged by the city organist for men of the fleet, Sunday.—Combined parade of naval bands at the Domain in afternoon; ships open to public. Monday.—Free. Tuesday.—Fleet sails.

OUTING IN WELLINGTON: FINE WEATHER PREVAILS.

[BY TELEGRAPH.. —PTtESS ASSOCIATION. ] WELLINGTON, Sunday.

The weather,, which for a couple of days prevented any extensive outdoor eritertainmenls for the officers, and' men of the American Fleet, improved for the weekend, to-day being ideal. Tho result was that many excursions proved most enjoyable, while the Navy League dances and other social functions were largely attended and were voted great successes. More men are now finding their way into the homes of the people; a form of hospitality for which they display considerable eagerness, as distinct from purely set formal gatherings: Motor drives for officers, men and nurses were also enjoyed. Children's parties in the Town Hall were crowded. The commercial travellers also gave an enjoyable entertainment.