AMERICAN VISITORS

Otago Witness, Issue 3726, 11 August 1925, Page 28

AMERICAN VISITORS

THE WARSHIPS AT DUNEDIN. FINE WEATHER AND A GENIAL WELCOME. In the early morn of yesterday the United States ships of war entered Toiaroa Heads. Owing to a misunderstanding local arrangements were made for the arrival of the fleet this morning, but when it was learned definitely that yesterday was “the day” nothing was left undone to convey to the visitors the impression that they were yerv Welcome to our shores. As the sun gained power and the mists of the morning rolled away and the raw edge of the southerly wa* toned down the day became beautiful. The brilliantly-coloured parrot*, the diminutive wallaby, and other pets which the men brought from Australia enjoyed the sunshine and gaiety as much M the men themselves. So it was a merry day, with a merry welcome, which would have been bigger if the misunderstanding •a to the time of arrival had not occurred The vessels make a brave show in th** Steamer basin. They comprise the large tender Melville, carrying the flag of Rear admiral Marvell, 12 destroyers, and two mine-layere, the total complement of which is over 2000 men. The fleet will remain for 10 days. The tug Dunedin met the fleet at the Heads, and the chairman of (he Harbour Board (Mr J. Loudon) and party extended a fitting welcome. Cap tain Maclean (harbour master) boarded the Melville, and the fleet came up to Dun The official party which called on Rearadmiral Marvell included the Mayor (Mr H. L. Taplev), Crs Hayward, Clark, Shack look, ’ Begg," and Taverner, Mr J. Loudoi. (chairman of the Harbour Board), Mr Hat man Reeves (American Consul), Mr F. <>. Bridgeman (French Consul), Mr R. W Ball (Mayor of 8t„ Kilda), and Mr James Beg* (president Navy League). After the Mayor's welcome Rear-admiral Marvell re plied, and during the day many calls were paid to the Rear-admiral. SMALL, BUT ACTIVE. THE DESTROYER SIDELIGHTS. LIQUOR AND OTHER MATTERS. Bmall vessels they are. these destroyers, compact and obviously buil* for business. Bach warship’s crew is proud—proud of OOhievemcrits, of service; and with the eaprit-de-corps so necessary for the good of the service, these ‘‘gobs,” as the Americans term their sailors, will “talk •hop” in praise of their respective destroyers with an ease and pleasure absolutely devoid of arrogant boastfulness or unnecessary derogatory reference to sister Tb .a Decatur is the flagship of these ■peedy craft, and she has a proud record. Tlie large white E adorning her bridge contains a record of which with justifiable rde her crew will speak, for the Decatur the craok gunnery vessel of the whole of the destroyer contingent of the United mates Navy, and has hopes of maintaining Mr position. Captain E. H. Dodd is < om

modore, and Lieutenant-commander J. B. Oldenlorf commands the Decatur. “Teddy” is her mascot. He is an American bulldog, carrying the scars of many battles in which he has been victorious. He celebrated his arrival in New Zealand by an exhibition of the war spirit, which resulted in a victory on point* over the Dominion’s representative, a shepherd dog that had made his way to the wharf to bid welcome to the visiting Americans. Teddy’s fat© after that exhibition was to be put on leash, and he behaved himself perfectly, apparently satisfied with being the first to talk and act “fight.” Teddy is an interesting dog, and appreciates attention, but war was born with him. It was an anxious crew that in Melbourne advertised for him, for Teddy had gone astray. He was found and taken to the home of a Melbourne lady, where he showed his appreciation by killing the pet cat of his benefp-ctress. Men on all ships were enthusiastic over Melbourne. As they opened cablegrams from friends they had left behind in Victoria’s capital, they reached the reminiscent stage, and were promptly shut up by companions who had tales to tell of a better time in that port. They are treasuring the presents of cigarette cases, ink wells, wine glasses, and jewel lx>xes which mark the friendships of the girls of Melbourne. The wine glasses will be valued, but the men are rather doubtful as to what use they shall put them after the “dry” area is reached again. That problem is really not worrying them yet, however These sailors are really attracted by Australia’s girls. It was the speech that called for special praise. They like it, and below decks there has been quite an amount of practice of the “Are you there?” and ‘‘Cheerio” terms for future use over the telephone wires in the United States. It was amusing, as the Melville neared her berth, to hear the remarks of the ladies on the wharf. Perhaps the sailors themselves can give the answer to one of the younger set’s query of “Aren’t they lovely?” These sailors have been in Australia long enough to learn part of the Dominions’ language, and friends were made almost immediately by one “gob,” who, leaning over the deck’s rail, assured the spectators that all was “Dinky-di.” To this a New Zealand maid’s reply was “Atta boy”—and a meeting was arranged. Not so fortunate was another sailor, whose attentions were given the response that only a lady of dignity could give. Her prey, it appeared, was commissioned rank. Ill© British seaman with hi* pipe and ’baooy are part and parcel of the tradition of the sea, but a cigar, symbolic of his country's taste in nicotine, was the first evidence that a seaman gave of the popular smoke of America’s naval men. New Zealand is so used to representative* of the British fleet that another surprise came when an officer, whoso upper lip graced a small moustache, appeared from below decks Moustaches, small or largo, mo <juite unknown in Britain’s navy. There is a regu lation against them, unless a beard also is worn—and so customs differ. Many of the Americans have complained about the coffee given them in British countries. There is the certainty also of a laugh when any oomedian takes for his joke the English tea drinking habit. If one can judge by the percolators on each of the visiting vessels, however, the American has the coffee crate os badly as we have

the craving for a cup of tea. Should a sailor be on watch he will be given his coffee at 4 a.m. Then as soon as the general reveille takes place the percolators are busy again. Another cup at 11 a.m. and one at 4 p.m. are additional to the coffee consumed with the three daily meals. Go whore you may on these warships, percolators will appear. They are, in fact, installed in every conceivable department. It is doubtful if anyone received so great a welcome yesterday as exseaman. Cougnlan. one-time member of the United States navy. In November, 1876, he received his final pay and came to New Zealand to the diggings. His ship had been the full-rigged vessel U.S.S. Swatere, and his arrival on the Decatur was one which the men honestly welcomed. Tne chief conversation of these men from a dry country seems at present to be quality and quantity of liquor. They are not going to even do it, for there are fellow-sailors parading the streets with S.P. badges on their arms and batons in their hands. S.P. represents “Squadron Patrol,” and the batons represent the law. “Any of the Block and Fall brand here?” was a question asked by a sailor of varied experiences. He was informed that the brand was not known in Now Zealand, and was asked how it tasted. “Take one drink, walk a block and you fall” was his reply. He had, he said, tried it in the home of a bootlegger friend. Another well-known variety was the “Chicken Cocktail,” to which the answer was “take one drink and lay.” In the petty officers’ mess of the Decatur one senior man was accused of growing old because his first query regarding refreshment was in connection with oysters and not beer. ' A jolly crowd are our visitors. They have been a long time from home, and will be away for more months, and they are going to make the best of their days ashore. There are gold sovereigns in their pockets, prospects of much liberty, and determination of making the most, of everything, so those who entertain will be rewarded with the satisfaction of seeing the guests having a really good time.

DEPARTURE FOR DOMINION. SYDNEY, August 6. The fine weather which heralded the arrival of the American fleet held throughout the visit and the vessels steamed out of the harbour this morning- bound for Auckland under bright, sunshiny skies. The crowds which gathered along the foreshores to bid farewell had a splendid view of the stately procession of big ships as they passed down the bay and gradually faded over the horizon. The lifting, of the anchors at 11 o’clock was greeted with an outbreak of oockadoodling from the ships in the harbour and other noisy demonstrations from many small craft afloat, which continued till the squadron passed through the heads. A steamer carrying the Ministerial party and a number of launches crowded with the public accompanied the warships down the harbour. Hie city assumed its normal appearance to-((ay and seems almost strange, wanting the hundreds of white-

capped American seamen strolling through the streets, which has been such a feature during the past fortnight, and without the thousands of flags which floated over the buildings and decorated the streets. The visit on the whole is regarded as successful. The wives of Admiral Coontz and a number of other leading officers of the Sydney and Melbourne sections of the fleet will sail for New Zealand in the Moeraki on Friday morning. At Melbourne the fleet was busy from an early hour preparing for its departure for Wellington. With so many ships to handle and with the long trip down the bay to negotiate this was necessary. Some of the- smaller craft moved from their moorings yesterday, ready to fall into line as the larger vessels passed out. The weather conditions were more favourable than on the day of arrival, and the people gathered in large numbers around the bay had a better opportunity of viewing the ships during the five hours which were occupied in passing from the anchorage through the heads which was cleared about noon. The shipping decorated itself and gave the visitors a rousing send-off with shrill blasts from their sirens and the crowds on the launches added their quota. Many took advantage of the excursion steamers, and a steamer with the official party on board joined the procession down the bay.

FAREWELL MESSAGES. SYDNEY, August 6. Admiral Robison, in a farewell letter to the Lord Mayor, said that the reception of the fleet had set a standard of friendliness which the members of his command did not expect to find equalled in any other part they might visit. They had been most deeply impressed by the sentiment of genuine friendliness displayed by persons in all walks of life, and they left with the greatest regret, but would always remember the people of Sydney with the utmost pleasure. The fleet was accompanied 10 miles to sea by an aeroplane circling low over the flagship, the pilot waving good-bye. Ten applications were made to the City Court, Melbourne, by American sailors for leave to marry without giving the necessary three days’ notice, but only one was granted. Mr Bruce in a radio message of farewell to Admiral Coontz from Melbourne, said he hoped he would carry a message of heartfelt goodwill from the people of Australia to the citizens of the United States, who in sending their fleet had paid Australia a veTy great compliment and forged a link of friendship, which he trusted would never break. Admiral Coontz’s farewell dance on board the three battleships was attended by 18,000 guests. It is officially reported that only nine members of the Melbourne division failed to report before the fleet sailed. Admiral Robison in a letter to Mr Lang stated that the welcome as a demonstration of cordiality and friendship surpassed anything of a similar character he had experienced. When the roll was called in Port Phillip Bay it was discovered that 21 men were missing. . .... , Three of the warships, including the flagship Seattle, experienced mechanical trouble in the passage down the bay, but tho departure was not delayed. MESSAGE FROM MR LAING. SYDNEY, August 6. The Premier (Mr J. T. Lang), in a farewell message to the American fleet, says that the visit will assist in bettering the understanding on matters in the Pacific region which equally concern both America and Australia. It will likewise improve the trading relations. Australia has reached a stage necessitating the everwidening of the overseas market for her productions, and she is looking to America largely to meet her requirements in that direction. He expressed his keen appreciation of the conduct of the men of the fleet, which had been exemplary in all circumstances. THE VISIT TO HOBART. HOBART, August 6. The American cruisers presented a fine spectacle as they came up the river at a speed of 27 knots. Large crowds gathered at the piers and points of vantage about the harbour, and gave the ships a rousing welcome. The chief event of the day was a route march of sailors through the city, the Governor (Sir James O’Grady) taking the salute. Several parties were taken on excursions to Launceston and other parts of the State. The cruisers had a rough crossing. It is reported that one of the Richmond s boats was smashed.

A CRUISE OF PEACE. NEW YORK, August 5. The Herald-Tribune, dwelling upon the peaceful friendliness of the English-speak-ing States, says: “Our fleet’s visit to Australia is an incident of the annual highseas training cruise, but it is also a gesture which emphasises the very friendly relations existing between tb© United States and the two British-Australasian Commonwealths. As Pacific Powers their interests run parallel, and their outlook on Far Eastern problems is almost identical. Canada fails 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. This is an entente, not embodied in any formal political association, but resting on a secure foundation of common policies and interests. What they all desiie is the maintenance of the status quo in the

Pacific, and the elimination of causes of war in that region. For these three peoples co-operation has become almost a matter of course and an expression of the feeling behind such co-operation is equally natural.” The Evening Post, remarking on the royal welcome to the fleet, says: “Since the jingoes on both sides of the Pacific have quietened down there is nothing to mar the visit of the American ships to the Antipodes. On this side of tne Pacific no effort will make it seem anything other than an incident in a practice cruise. On the other side of these waters the Japanese have refused to become excited about it. Such irritations and misgivings as existed a few months ago when the cruise began have vanished under emollient common sense mixed with goodwill on both sides.” SCENES OF ENTHUSIASM. MELBOURNE, August 6. There were remarkable scenes of enthusiasm as the fleet commenced its voyage. Each ship was a mass of streamers, and the shores were lined with a cheering multitude as the vessels proceeded down the bay with Australian Air Force planes circling over each ship. The last heard of the fleet as it disappeared in the haze was the band of each ship playing “The Girl I Left Behind Me.” While steaming down the bay the destroyer Chase experienced engine trouble and returned to port. Another destroyer grounded on a sand bank at the side of the channel. Official reports show that only nine men deserted in Melbourne. The police in Sydney estimate that 60 American sailors deserted during the fleet’s stay in that part. One sailor put in an appearance shortly after the ships sailed, but he was not a deserter. He had drunk well but not wisely, and will be sent on to rejoin his ship at Auckland. Three others were found in a similar condition in the streets.

CRUISERS LEAVE HOBART. HOBART, August 7. The American cruisers delayed their departure for New Zealand until 4 o clock this afternoon. The Earl of Stradbroke (Governor of Victoria) decided not to return to Melbourne, but to pay a visit to New Zealand. He will go as a passenger on the flagship. Speaking at the reception, Admiral Magruder placed Rio de Janeiro first as being the finest harbour in the world, Hobart second, and Sydney third. He added that Hobart offered the best shelter of any of these ports. The weather was fine and the day was spent in sightseeing. DESERTERS FROM THE FLEET. SYDNEY, August 7. The American Consul estimates that "50 men deserted from the fleet in Sydney, but officially he only knows of 12. One man made a desperate effort to rejoin his ship but failed. After communication with the Consul he was sent on as a passenger by the Moeraki. The Consul explained that the Consular officers had no right or desire to have deserters arrested. They not regarded as desirable citizens of the United States, and no arrangements had been made to pick them up. If the men were arrested by the local police for being unlawfully in the country they could 0© deported and the United States naval authorities would then hand'e the matter. The destroyer Chase, which is delayed at Melbourne for repairs has already picked up several missing units of the fleet, and it IS anticipated that all unlawful absentees will be on board her before she sails. A radio message from Admiral Robison states that 43 seamen failed to rejoin their ships in Sydney. Two stragglers reported to the American Consul, who sent them forward as passengers by the Ulimaroa. CROSSING THE TASMAN SEA. MELBOURNE, August 8. The United States destroyer Chase, having completed her engine repairs, sailed for New Zealand. ~ Mr Norman (United States Consul) said that he thought it would be an excellent idea for Australia to return the call just made bv America. He suggested that the vessels of the Australian Fleet should cross the Pacific and visit Seattle, San Francisco, and other West Coast porta; then, passing through the Panama Canal, visit such places as New Orleans, New York, and Boston. He thought that the advertisement received would far outweigh the expenditure involved. This is giving a concrete expression to the idea which was a favourite theme with the American officers while in Melbourne.

LIGHT CRUISERS LEAVE HOBART. HOBART, August 8. The light cruiser division left for New Zealand amidst scenes of unprecedented enthusiasm. Lord Stradbroke (Goveinor of Victoria) is a passenger aboard tile Richmond for Wellington. MOTOR TRIPS. During tho visit of the American fleet members of the Otago Motor Club will entertain tile visitors by taking them out in their cars and showing them some of the beautiful surroundings of the city. 1 tie visit of an American fleet to our shores does not often occur, and every advantage is being taken to show them hospitality. ITio visitors are assured of a warm welcome aa tho citizens ore making elaborate arrangements for their entertainment. Motorists offering their cars are required to notify the secretary of tho club- tile day their cars will be available.

LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS. The following is the programme for tho rocoption and entertainment of the officer* and crews of the visiting warships:— TO-DAY (TUESDAY), AUGUST 1L 4 p.m.—Civio reooption in Hit Majeety's Theatre.

8.39 p.m.—Navy League dance. 50 officers, •t Early Settlers Hall. Returned Soldiers’ Choir entertains 75 men at club rooms. Y.M.C.A. “Hulloa, Dunedin.” to which the men of the fleet will be admitted free. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12. 8 p.m.—Returned .Soldiers’ Association Choir (100 men). , , , 8.30 p.m. —Otago Women’s Club (Girls Section), dance at Savoy Buildings (40 officers). THURSDAY, AUGUST 13. 8.40 a.m.—Excursion to Oamaru for 300 officers and men, where they will be entertained by local residents. "8 p.m.—Otago Officers’ Club, smoke concert (30 officers). Home Science staff, Otago University, dance in Allen Ilall (30 officers). 8 p.m.—Dance at Early Settlers’ Hall (up to 100 petty officers). 8 p.m.—Boxing competitions, at which it is hoped to arrange for exhibition bouts between representatives of the several units of the fleet. At the conclusion of the competitions the local Boxing Association will entertain 300 men. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14. Visits by rail to country towns: — 1. To Palmerston. Local residents will entertain 100 officers and men. 2. To Waikouaiti. Local residents will entertain 50 men. 3. To Middlemarch. Local residents will entertain 50 men.^ SATURDAY, AUGUST 15. Visits by rail to Milton and Mosgiel: 9.5 a.m. —To Milton, men Avill be entertained by local residents. 10.30 a.m.—To Mosgiel. where'2Co officers and men will be entertained by local residents. 2 p.m.—The finish of the New Zealand ('ross Country Championship will- be decided on Forbury Park to which the members of the ships’ company are invited. 3 p.m. Rugby Football at Carisbrook, to which officers and men of the fleet are invited. 8 p.m.—Dance at Early Settlers’ Hall for up to 100 petty officers. SUNDAY. AUGUST 16. Arrangements have been made bv the several churches for special services to which the ships’ company are invited. MONDAY, AUGUST 17. 8 p.m.—Returned Soldiers’ Association entertains 60 men in St. Paul’s Schoolroom TUESDAY, AUGUST, 18. 11 a.in.—Trotting meeting at Forbury Park, to which all officers and men are invited as the guests of the club 8 p.m. — Dance Early Settlers’ Hall, for up to 100 petty officers, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19. 11 a.m.—Trotting meeting at. Forbury Park, to which all officers and men are invited as the guests of the club. THURSDAY, AUGUST 20. Fleet departs from Dunedin. In addition to the above official fixtures invitations have been accepted by the ships’ officers for a considerable number of private dinner parties, cabaret parties, and dances.