PAT DAY ON SHIPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19101, 20 August 1925, Page 10

PAT DAY ON SHIPS.

A TOTAL OF ABOUT £32,000. WAGES IN SOVEREIGNS. THE CALIFORNIA'S GOLD. " Let's sink these New Zealand dollars, Bo," said a smiling Jackie on the California yesterday as lio leaned over the steel counter of the ship's stores and bought delicacies in the way of candy and luxuries, such as " stand-by " packets of cigarettes. Yesterday was pay-day for the men of the American Fleet and about £3450 in gold was paid out on each ship, making a, total of about £32,000. For tho greater part of the day a stream of gold found its way into tho pockots of the ship's crews. Not a few goblets of pure gold could ho moulded wero tho supply on the flagship California requisitioned. When the fleet left home waters two million dollars' worth was in store, and from this sum are paid every month on tho 15th and 20th to enlisted men, and on the 15th and last day to officers. " Each ship has its own stores office," said Captain D. V. Chadwick, Fleet Paymaster. " Very complete arrangements were mado for us in Sydney in connection with our gold supplies. As soon as wo were moored a launch came alongside and we exchanged 750,000 dollars worth of gold, about £150,000, with the Commonwealth Bank for its worth in Brithish gold. This was then apportioned among pay officers of the various ships. The two million dollars will just about last us the trip and we should have a little over in case of emergency." Complicated Book-keeping. The American sailor does not receive his money, walk away and spend it. There is quite a procedure and a deal of reckoning is done before ho can finally sign. Tlie gold exchange in Sydney was merely to last during tho stay in Australian and New Zealand waters—but a Bmall part of tho whole cruise. A man's salary is worked out on a debit and credit basis. His credit consists of all pay owing, as well as anything in the way of money for extra services, decorations, etc. His debit account is more complicated. Ho is given 100 dollars worth of clothing when he joins the fleet, and everything above that he must provide for himself. He may require a new jacket, new boots or anv other article of clothing. This is all charged up to him and deducted from his pay-roll. Again ho may want to support a wife and family and ho puts aside a sum each month which is payable in the United States. Nearly half a ship's pay roll is set aside in this manner, and placed in the savings account. This account is very popular. A man may invest a monthly minimum of fivo dollars, on which four per cent, simple interest is paid. Once invested it cannot be touched until the man has been discharged from tho navy. These items are all tallied his name and a regular book-keeping staff is roquired. Tho accounts are carefully audited in t?>e United States. A "Small" Pay Day. Yesterday was what is called a "small" pay day, as men receiving 60 dollars a month "who invested or otherwise paid out, say, 40 dollars, would have this deducted from their pay-roll yesterday. Thes ship's store, more commonly called a canteen on British men-o'-war, is a very popular institution, and here may be purchased every luxury a sailor requires. Cigars, cigarettes, candy and other delicacies aro very dear to the heart of the American. Pay-day starts tho round of purchases again after a "Jean" period, when funds are low toward the end of the month. Yesterday over 2000 dollars were taken in the California's store, and it is estimated the other vessels would take about a similar amount. The men reallv benefit by the purchases, as what profits there are go into the games fund. SEARCHLIGHT DISPLAY. ILLUMINATION OF SHIPS. SPECTACLE PROMISED TO-NIGHT. Tho ships of the fleet are to be illuminated to-night and again to-morrow evening and during the evening hours each of them will take part in a display with their powerful searchlights. Electricity plays a greater part in the equipment of these ships than in the vessels of any other navy, so that when a spectacle of this kind is undertaken the effect is splendid and striking. Tho ships will turn on tho lights at 8 o'clock each evening and keep them burning until 11 o'clock. Given a continuance of tho calm clear evenings experienced since last Friday the effect of the lights on tho calm waters of the Waitemata and of tho searchlight beams in the heavens should produce a memorable sight. It will be remembered that when the American Fleet was here in 1908 tho searchlight displays and the illuminations created a great impression among the thousands who were in Auckland during tho visit and it is certain that with the tremendous advance mado in electrical development since that time tho spectacle promised for this evening will bo even more impressive. It is no exaggeration to say that the ships this evening will sparkle, with the gleum from thousands of electric bulbs. Rows of these lights will indicate the outlines of the great hulls and the main features above the deck line will stand out in bold relief against the dark sky. FALL ON A CRUISER, ELDERLY WOMAN INJURED. [lir TELEGRAPH. —PBESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday. While visiting the United States cruiser Omaha at Lyttclton, Mrs. Hutchins, aged 73, who resides in King Street, Sydenham, tripped and broke her left leg. She was attended by tho ship's doctor, and later removed to tho Christchurch Hospital. CHRISTCHURCH OUTINGS. REPRESENTATIVE BASEBALL. [BY TEtEOIIArn. —PRESS . ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday Officers and men of the fleet visited Akaroa and New Brighton to-day. Many ! attended a baseball match between tho I fleet and Canterbury, which resulted as expected in a handsome win for the visitors. This evening there was the usual round of gaieties. LAST DAY AT DUNEDIN. COMPLIMENTARY FAREWELL. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PHESS ASSOCIATION'.] DUNEDIN. Wednesday. Tho last day's activities of tho American destroyer squadron included a reception by Rear-Admiral Marvell on tho Melville, attended by about 1000 people. The Forbury Park trots were continued and many of tho men were present. Rear-Admiral Marvell and officers of the squadron were tendered a farewell dinner by tho Mayor to-night. In rosponding to the chief toast, the admiral thanked all for tho courtesy, kindness and hospitality extended during tho visit. The squadron leaves at mid-dtvy tomorrow ior "Wellington.