FLEET FOLLOWERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3829, 2 August 1927, Page 17

FLEET FOLLOWERS.

YOUNG GIRLS ON WARSHIPS. MELBOURNE POLICE CHARGE. (Fbom Oub Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, July 25. A Melbourne policewoman who had been gnen charge of investigations concerning the disappearance of a girl 15 years of age told press representatives in Melbourne that she feared that the girl had joined the small .army of “fleet followers, who appear at everv port the warships visit. Explaining her charge, this policewoman said during week-ends many young girls were to be seen on warships in Melbourne, and their conduct was such that it- had become a matter of concern to the police. The girl for whom she was searching had been traced to one warship, but sailors gave warning to the S ll / who was hidden in the ship—that police were on her track, and helped her to escape by providing a pole and rope over the side of the vessel.. She feared that if the missing girl were not found sailors would pay her fare to Sydney, thus making an addition to what are known as “fleet followers”—girls who appear at every port when the ships arrive. It was alleged that every warship in Australian waters had such a tollowing. Alluding to the matter, the commander of H.M.A.S. Melbourne (Commander Glenny) said that the presence of noisy g!rls near the pier where the warship was berthed at Port Melbourne had forced him to ask for police protection. “Strict regulations,” he said, “forbid the presence of women on board after 5 p.m. Since we arrived in Melbourne, we have been pestered by the presence of numbers of young women of doubtful character. The ship’s sentries, though empowered to .deal with our own men, have no civil powers. Recently when one of them requested a young woman to leave she thrust out her tongue at him and defied his authority.” Commander Glenny then explained that he had requested a police officer to be stationed on board during visiting hours, and this request had been granted. The Navy Office also issued a statement that it was contrary to regulations for visitors to be allowed below decks. Every care was taken to exclude undesirable characters, and the assistance of police, if necessary, was obtained. It was impossible for any women to remain on board a warship after hours without very severe punishment coming to the man concerned. ~