U.S. FLEET TUESDAY

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12211, 8 August 1925, Page 5

U.S. FLEET TUESDAY

HARBOUR EXCURSIONS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CLOSE INSPECTION TRIPS ON FERRY STEAMERS. Special arrangements have been made by the Eastbourne ferry service in connection with' the arrival of the American Fleet. Subject to the present official programme being maintained the Muritai will leave the ferry wharf for the Heads at 11.15 a.m., and will steam up the harbour with the fleet, arriving back at the wharf about one o’clock. There will be excursions round the Fleet during the afternoon, at 1.16 p.m. and 2.30 p.m., arriving hack about 2 p.ni. and 3.30 p.m. respectively, while there will be two evening trips with the first boat leaving at 7.30 p.m. socceTmatch WELLINGTON v. U.S. FLEET. ' The Wellington Football Association have received word that amongst the’ athletes oounng with the American Fleet is a first-class Soccer team. They are now endeavouring to promote a match between a local side and the visitors at the Basin Reserve on Saturday night, and present indications are that the game will he one of the features of the stay of the warships in this port. GRAND FLEET BALL Ttie committee in charge of the arrangements for the Fleet ball, to be held on August 14th, has everything

well advanced. An endeavour is being made to eclipse ail* previous functions held in the city. The decorations and catering are very elaborate, and the appointments are so arranged that there will be no congestion in either the hall or the supper room. If applications for tickets continue to arrive as freely as they have done during the last few days it will be necessary to close the list some days before the ball takes place. SEEING THE FLEET EMPLOYERS ASKED TO ASSIST. In spite of the opposition which, has been manifested in respect to the proposal to extend the lunch’ hour on the ’day of the arrival of the fleet, the Mayor (Mr C. J/ B. Norwood) yesterday issued a general invitation to employers in the city to allow their employees as much freedom as possible to facilitate their -participation in the welcome jto the visitors overseas. • . - _ Mr Norwood said, for obvious reasons, he. did not wish to call a holiday, hut expected that a great number of. employees would be at least able to witness the arrival of the United States battleships. Throughout .the duration of the visit, also, he expected business men to enter into the spirit of the welcome and give their, hands every possible opportunity 'of making the reception a spectacular one.

NAVY DESERTERS

AMERICA DOES NOT WANT THEM THE CONSUL EXPLAINS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright (Received August 7, 9.25 p.m.) August 7. The American Consul' estimates that 30 men deserted from the fleet in Sydney, hut officially he only knows of twelve. One man made a desperate effort to rejoin his ship, but failed. After communications with the Consul,. he was sent on as a passenger hy the Moaraki. The Consul explained that Consular officers had no right or desire to have deserters arrested. They were not regarded as’ desirable citizens of the United States, and no arrangements were made to pick them up. If the men were arrested hy the local polioe for being unlawfully in the country, they could be deported, and the United -State* naval authorities would then handle the matter. DISABLED 1 SHIP WILL PICK UP DESERTERS By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. MELBOURNE, August 7. jWhile steaming down Port Phillip 'Bay, the United States destroyer ’Chase experienced engine trouble, and returned to port. Another destroyer grounded on a sandbank at the side of the channel. (Received August 1 , 9.25 p.m.) The destroyer Chase, delayed for repairs, already has picked up several missing units of tbo fleet. It is anticipated that all the unlawful absented will be on hoard her before she sails.