REVELRY IN AUSTRALIA

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12200, 27 July 1925, Page 7

REVELRY IN AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE ENTERTAIN AMERICAN SAILORS VISITORS LOST IN DENSE FOG AMUSING INCIDENT AT TRAVELLERS’ BANQUET _\ According to cable messages from Australia, the members of the American fleet are being entertained royally. A dense fog enveloped Melbourne, which prevented the men from returning to their ships. Accommodation was found for a large number, but others walked tke streets all night. Sydney is crowded. A .searchlight and fireworks display presented a magnificent spectacle.

By“ Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. MELBOURNE, July.2s. Although the procession of sailors and marines was not due to start till half-past twelve, thousands of spectators had taken up positions in the main streets by 9 o’clock, and late-comers were hardly able to obtain even a glanoe at the marching men. Even the guests of the Commonwealth at the saluting base were in their positions a good two hours before the procession was due to pass. Before the final section was level with the Governor-General. Lord Forster, the crowds had joßtled their way through, and the last linit had to struggle to keep even a semblance of formation. Some people actually got between the ranks of the bandsmen. Official calls were made by the Admirals on the Prime Minister, the Premier of Victoria, and other officials, who returned the calls on the Seattle. Later in the afternoon the senior officers of the fleet were entertained at dinner by the Governor. WRONG IMPRESSION NOT DEMONSTRATION OF ' 'POWER INCREASING MEIFs EFFICIENCY. Air James V. Mcdintick. a member of the United States Congress, who is a passenger on the Oklahoma, states that the naval visit is not a demonstration oi the naval power-of the United States, and it is wrong to allege that against America. , Hie deprecated any suggestion that the _ cruise is intended as a demonstration of the power of,his country in the Pacific, or even as an indication that she is seeking to establish naval pre-eminenoe. He was emphatic in the opinion that the only object, sof the eruise was to increase the general efficiency of ’the men, particularly in the direction of giving them experience of long cruises away from the bases. i ANNUAL TRAINING CRUISE ONE WITH BRITISH DOMINIONS INTERESTS RUN PARALLEL. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reoeived Jnly 25, 6.6 p.m.) NEW YORE!, July 24. The “Heirald” and “Tribune” leaders say: “Our fleet’s visit to Australia is an incident of an annual training cruise, but' is also ‘ a gesture which emphasise! _ the very friendly relations existing between the United States and the two British’ Australasian Commonwealths. As ; Pacific powers the interests of the United States and Australia run parallel. Their outlook on the far Eastern problems is almost identical. 1 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. The four-power Pacifio Treaty found no more earnest supporters than Australia, Canada and the United States. What they all desire is the. maintenance' of the status quo in the Pacific and the elimination of war and the causes of war in that region broadening the basis of peace and prosperity in the Pacific on which America as well as Australia’s future so largely depends.” . VENETIAN CARNIVAL MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE. (Received July 26, 6.6 t>.m.) ■ ■ SYDNEY, July 26. The chief feature ot yesterday’s fleet oelebrbtions was a Venetian carnival at night. The harbour presented a magnificent spectacle lit np by eearchlighta from the warships. A splendid display *of fireworks followed. Immense crowds gathered on the foreshores and all the commanding positions in the city and suburbs. “BUSHED-’ IN MELBOURNE CITY ENVELOPED IN FOG NIGHT SPENT IN STREETS. By Telegraph. l —Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received July 26, 6.5 p.m.) MELBOURNE, July 26. A dense fog descended on the city last night, and “hushed” many American sailors 'wandering in the % city. Many were found beds at the Y.M.C.A.

hostel, others were found lodgings, hut many spent the night in the streets. Boatfc sent Lorn the warships were unable to locate the pier, thus stranding many units who otherwise would have been comfortably bedded aboard. FALSE^ALARMS TRAVELLERS' BANQUET ADMIRAL ARRIVES LATE. (Received July 26, 5.6 p.m.) _ SYDNEY, July 26. The only serious engagement for the Americans yesterday was the Cominer* cial Travellers* Association’s banquet in the evening, at which the chief guest was Admiral Robison, who was detajned by other duties, and arrived late. Three times the band was misled by false reports of his entry, and struck 'up “The Star-Spangled Ban? ner,** before he actually arrived. THOUSANDS ON LEAVE ENTERTAINED AT PARTIES RICH HARVEST FOR PIEMEN. (Revived July 26, 5.5 pan.) MELBOURNE, July 26. xno city, lit up by searchlights, ... gay last night. The streets were everywhere thronged, and theatres were crowded, and included a big sprinkling of Americans. Those who were enjoying shore leave were thousands strong. Many were being entertained by reudente at parties and other functions in their honour. A special race m&ting proved one of the day’s attractions During the late hours of Friday night and early on Saturday morning taxi drivers and piemen reaped a rich harvest from hundreds of hungry and benighted sailormen who had lost their bearings in the dense fog. It was well into tfo forenoon before many recover* ed their sailing directions. ANIMATED SCENE MEN ENJOYING THEMSELVES STREETS CROWDED WITH VISITORS. (Received July 28, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, Jnly 26. During Saturday big batches of American officers and men found their way to the Randwiok races and other sports. Hundreds roamed the streets, and at night-time invaded the city. Thousands crowded the theatres and Picture shows, helped by- a bur influx of people who had come to 'new the fireworks display. Strong patrols from the warships, who made short work of any recalcitrants, had a busy time dealing up the stragglers. A considerable number of the visitors are taking fall advantage of ths °pen, hotels.* Strong appeals axe appearing in the Press urging stricter measures on the part both of the local and fleet authorities to protect the army of youthful visitors against themselves* and those taking advantage of their weaknesses. A QUIET SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES PATRONISED. ■Pei Press Association. > (Received Jnly 26. 11.46 pan.) SYDNEY, July 26. There were no official fleet engagements in either Sydney or Melbourne to-day. The religious organisations and churches combined are looking after the men’s moral interest and making them feel at home. .Specially attractive services were held in many churches and the Americans were present in goodly numbers. The streets and holiday resorts of the two' cities disclose a good sprinkling of visitors. Thna early in their stay they have managed to pick np lady consorts. VERANDAH COLLAPSE FIRST AID UNDER DIFFICULTIES. MELBOURNE, July 25. A hundred and eight people were injured in the verandah collapse. In the -hustle of .giving first aid, all sorts of makeshifts had to he pressed into service. In some cases silk stockings from drapers’ shops were used as bandages. Three of the victims are In a criti cal condition. ’