SURPRISE FOR SYDNEY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19529, 11 July 1925, Page 12

SURPRISE FOR SYDNEY

AMERICAN BATTLESHIPS. OFFICERS 53ACER FOR VISIT. HONOLULU, June 25. The United States' 1 battleships West Virginia. Maryland, Colorado, and Tennessee arrived in the harbour to-day. They dwarf the other warcraft and present a mighty spectacle. ■ Glittering ominously in the sunlight* around them flutter seaplanes, like seagull.-, looking for morsels of food, and speedy motor boats that are the pride of the fleet. At night the harbour is “alive” with flashes from the bulbs on the top of the masts, which disappear as the sharp beams of die searchlights mow down from the heavens, throwing into beautiful silhouettes the many warships. The searchlight combination will surprise Sydney, and the night display generally will be something worth seeing. Honolulu does not notice the fleet, which has been so long here that the Hawaiians are rsed to it and consider it a fixed part of the seascape. Tho battleships’ officers are congratulating themselves on the fact that they are booked for Sydney. of the elder men. who were there in 1303, teli stories which, though flatteringly exaggerated, stamp them as the commonwealth’s greatest publicity men. Anything about Sydney is real hews. The officers regard it as “ the promised land.” Tho fact that in the metropolitan population females exceed males was received with cheers. It is surprising to find how correct is the Americans’ knowledge of Australia, and if treated well they will tell the world what a wonderful people they are. Anyway, they will arrive with minds biased in their favour.

The local press severely criticises the “News Interest” film issued by the commonwealth Government showing- the fleet how they dry currants and raisins in Australia. There is no thrilling story, the film lacks punch, and there is a fear that unless they are given visions of fair women and the busy streets of Sydney and. Melbourne the interests of the bluejackets will not be aroused

The average -bluejacket will not hang around sheep-shearing sheds or raisindrying yards. 110 has had enough dryness at home. To-day the sailors saw views of the cattle and sheep industry, but they are hungry for a glimpse of the cities. Even the officers say they are dying to see what (ho trolley-cars and crowded streets are like. Word pictures will not suffice.