UNITED STATES FLEET.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16806, 12 August 1925, Page 8

UNITED STATES FLEET.

WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND,

A FINE SPECTACLE. SOME IMPRESSIVE SPEECHES. (I’er Press Association.l WELLINGTON, last night. Ten ships of the United States' combined fleet which has been visiting Australia after manoeuvres in the North Pacific, arrived at Wellington to-day under the command of Admiral Ivobt. E. Coontz. The visit could not have been better timed from a meteorological standpoint. The week-end had been particularly wintry, and yesterday cold biting southerly squalls made the outlook most, unpropitious, so that even the Government Meteorologist, who is usually optimistic, forbore to do more than hope for belter weather to-day. The morning broke clear, though the light southerly air had a crispness to set the blood a-tinglc, but a blue sky was overhead instead of the grey pall so much in evidence lately. As the morning advanced the city assumed a holiday air. Buildings <lis-„ played a. good deal of bunting, and the people,congregated at all points of vantage around the harbor frontage, even on the ocean beach from the heads towards Island Bay, which with her sisiter seaside suburb of Lyall .Bay was afforded a line spectacle as the squadron came up across Cook Strait, and niadiy for the harbor entrance. Ships in harbor were dressed with bunting. For a space of two or three hours from about ten o'clock business was largely suspended everywhere, so that most, people had the opportunity of seeing the movement of the largest collection of war craft, that has yet visited this port. It was a brave sight, the memory of which hill live lolig. As the time approached for the squadron's arrival harbor steamers, all thronged with sightseers, wont, down the harbor to the heads. Launches and yachts also carried their quota to welcome the visitors.

The squadron showed over the horizon about ten o’clock, smudges of smoko marking the lino of the ships. A little later, a squadron of six seaplanes swept in, having been catapulted from their parent ships about ten miles out. Suddenly as the flotilla of harbor ships were approaching Point Halswcll, whence the late Prime Minister's last resting place commands a view of all who venture in through the Capital 'City’s portals, these planes came sailing overhead like irreat birds, made beautiful by the sunlight glinting on their silvered fuselages. The 'planes swept, on in changing formation, frequently circling over the city and harbor, then returning seaward again as the big ships of war came through the Heads. ■ The vessels entered promptly at 11.30, according to the schedule announced by Admiral Coontz, keeping time and station as all good navy ships are trained to do. First came the battleship Seattle, bearing Admiral Coontz's flag, then the Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Nevada, followed by the hospital ship, then the light, cruiser division, Richmond (leading), Marblehead, Memphis, and Trenton, the supply ship, Medusa, was with this division. Though something like a swell came on at the Heads (a legacy of the southerly stornl so lately in evidence) causing the crowded ferry steamers to curtsey to the Waves, the big war craft moved steadily as if on the quiet waters of a lake. As they passed in a big outgoing ship of peace, noiim! on her lawful occasion of commence, went out, and there was the usual interchange of courtesies, each dipping the ensign as the punctilio of the sen so gravely insists upon. As they came abreast of the forts the interchanges were repeated, and again as the warships passed the waiting, crowded steamers, the same ceremony was observed. The ships’ bands also' played martial tunes, and the people, especially the school chilidioli on the steamer Duchess, cheered the visitors. Bright sunshine flooded the harbor, yesterday's cloud-track being reduced now v.o fleecy wisps of vapor, against which the wheeling seaplanes stood out black one moment, to be turned the next, instant, into things of silvered beautv, as they soared into the sunlight. The light-northerly hud a keen edge on it from its passage ever the Rimutaka ranges, heavily coated with snow. The hills eastward, of the harbor also bore light mantles of white in places, so that despite the brilliant sunrays which scintillated on a myriad of wavetops, the air was crisp enough to make wraps acceptable 1o sightseers. Steadily the line moved up the harbor round Point Jctningham into the stream* Thousands of people lined the Point and the shores of Oriental Bay, while all the high buildings seemed suddenly to have grown With musses of gesticulating, cheering figures upon them. The 'planes still circled above or moved along in ordered formations, only to break into eccentric movements again, while one treated the crowds to some wonderful stunting work. At one o’clock all the squadron were in the sirenm. Then the Seattle bn tiled on the outer side of Pipilea whorl alongside the exhibition building. At the same time the largest battleship Pennsvlvani.a berthed on the b'uei side. Later in the afternoon the light cruiser Richmond was brouoght ih, and moved ahead of the .Seattle. Great crowds of people watched the mooring, which was carried out expeditiously, and without, fuss or bitch of any kind. The afternoon was tilled in with official calls. The guard of honor was furnished by the 15th Battery with the Art illery Band. The first call was made by Commodore Beale, representing the Royal Navy of New Zealand, after which Admiral Cooutz visited the GovernorGeneral, the Prime . Minister, and members of the Crown. Later the Governor-General visited Admiral Coontz aboard the Seattle, attci which the ILtrbor Board and City Council made formal calls on the AdmiraL CIVIC RECEPTION.

A civic reception was accorded Admiral Coontz and Principal officers at the Town Hall, which wan well filled. The proceedings were entlmsiaaThe Mayor, Mr Norwood, presided, and on the platform were Commodore Beale, General Melville, G.0.C., and his staff, the Prime Minister (Mr Coates), Mr Holland (leader of the .Labor party), Sir Joseph Ward, the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stmlt), and members of the City Council. the Mayor extended a warm welcome to the visitors oil behalf of the citizens, and referred to the grateful memories held by New Zealanders for the assistance rendered as long ago as 1845. when during the Maori troubles in the North Kororareka Settlement, where Russell now stands, was detroyed, and an American warship, tlfe St. Louis, rescued wounded troops with women and children.

Mr Coates was accorded a warm re

ception on this his first appearance at a public gathering in Wellington. He bade the visitors the heartiest welcome in tlio name 'of flic people of New Zealand!. He assured them they would iin<l themselves among friends. Americans not long ago were helping the British people in tlieir lime of trouble. lie himself had served with the Americans at the front, and had learned to know them. Now they would have the opportunity of getting to know us, and to develop the same friendship that had been formed between Americans and New Zealanders in France. The New Zealanders appreciated the many acts of friendship our men had received at the hands of the people of the United States a few years ago.

The Mayor read an apology from Mr Wilford, leader of the Opposition, who was unable to attend, through indisposition, but added his expression of welcome to the visitors.

.Sir Robert Stout, in a brief speech, said the American and British nations both cherished the same ideals to preserve civilisation, which could, only he accomplished by maintaining peace. Canada and the United States had lived in peace without armed forces. Why, be asked, could not the nations of Europe do the same? In conclusion, he welcomed the visitors as typifying a national force bent on the maintenance of peace in the world.

Mr Holland, in endorsing Sir Robert Stout’s remarks, welcomed Admiral Count/, and bis officers, because lie believed the day was fast approaching when the British and American nations would he engaged in a movement to join all peoples in one great union for peine and goodwill, which was the aim of the Labor parties throughout the world.

Admiral Cborflz, on rifling to n - spend, was greeted with appaluse. Bo said his men had been spoken of as ambassadors of peace. He could assure bis bearers that those 25,000 men would prove to be ambassadors who would miike known these southern lands and the friendliness of the people therein to tlieir own people when they, returned. Inline. Many were making their first trip abroad. They were intelligent and look an interest in what they saw, and would take away the right impressions of New Zealand. The people in America sometime:, looked at the map and thought New Zealand was a long way off. It was so in the days of sailing ships, but that was altered now with improved communications. New Zealanders had wonderful opportunities. They could study history ail cl note the mistakes made by the older countries, and so build up their nation that it would avoid making similar mistakes. “We are a peaceful nation,” said Admiral Coontz, “but we believe in peace with honor.” Americans believed in visiting other countries. By doing so they discovered other people were not, so very different from themselves, and that a better understanding of each other would lead nations into the ways of peace. Ho thanked those present for the warm welcome accorded him and his men who would all carry away with them the pleasantest memories of their sojourn in these waters. THE PROGRAMME. The Government Buildings, Town Hull aild public buildings were beautifully illuminated. The programme for this evening was as under: 5 p.m., civic reception Town Hall; 7 p.m., Government House dinner to Admiral Coontz and bis principal officers; 8 p.m., Independent'Order of Oddfellows’ welcome to American lodge, concert chamber; 8 p.m., private dance. The programme for to-morrow is as follows: 10 a.m., ceremonial march through the city; 1 p.m., Government luncheon to Admiral Coontz and his principal officers, Town Hall; 3 p.m. to 5 p.in., reception to the matron and imrses of the fleet by the Trained Nurses’ Association at the Club, Kensington street; 7 p.m., club-room and dance, Town Hall; 8 p.m., Evans Buy 'Yacht Club dance for 50 men; 8.30 p.m., American Consul-General’s reception to Admiral Coontz and his principal officers at the Ambassador; ball to twenty-five offices by the Mayor, councillors and citizens of Lower Hutt; private dance to twenty-five officers.

GREAT DAY AT AUCKLAND

A MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE.

(Per Press Association.!

AUCKLAND, last night

The entry of the American battle fleet to Auckland provided a magnificent spectacle as the great ships rounded North Head in turn, and anchored in tlio stream. Bright sunshine prevailed, and the scene, as the salutes of the guns were exchanged between the flagship California and Fort Cautley, with the seaplanes dashing about on the harbor, was most impressive. The fleet was later in arriving than was expected, and Hie various official calls were delayed. At the civic reception, which attracted a great gathering, the Deputy-Mayor, Mr Warnook,. spoke on behalf of the city, and Sir James Parr represented the Government.

Admiral Robison, who was cheered on rising, said it was difficult to respond properly to the welcome that had been given. “Perhaps,” be said “you don’t all know or realise that next to Canada, New Zealand is now our nearest neighbor. 'We have moved to Tutnila, and you have moved to Apia, and we can see each other on a clear day. The ships of the U.S. fleet which steamed in today, although dressed in more sombre colors than those of the great white fleet of 1900. equal it in personnel and have greater tonnage. They carry a. message of friendship and goodwill from the people of the United States of America to the people of New Zealand. One of your commentators at the time of the ever-memora'blc visit of 1908, said: Triends to-day, the two nations will be comrades to-morrow in conservation of their rights.and privileges against possible aggression of the foreigner.’ And so it came to be that we were comrades in the Great World War. The world recognises the prowess of the sons and the sacrifices of the daughters of New Zealand, and so we now come to you as comrades, treading the pleasant paths of peaco and always ready to uphold the right.” (Cheers and applause). A large number of men were given shore leave, and the streets of the city were crowded with sailors.

To-morrow a large contingent leave for Hamilton as guests of the Government, and on Friday Admiral Robison and 200 officers will leave for Rotorua. SUNSHINE AT LYTTELTON. majungTrienhs. (Per Press Association. l CHRISTCHURCH, last night. Preceded by the cruiser Omaha, the United States destroyer squadron entered Lyttelton harbor this morning, being greeted by thousands of people and brilliant sunshine, with a fleet of aeroplanes hovering overhead. The berthing took up a little time, hut soon

the whole squadron was tucked cosily within the moles. The youthfulness of the sailors was the subject for general comment, the public not expecting to find such a- large number apparently under the age of 21. The trip across from Melbourne was good, though seasickness was not uncommon.

The first official call on Rear-Admiral T. Schofield, after the Omaha was berthed, was by representatives of the Lyttelton Harbor Board.

“We bad a fine trip across; a splendid trip.” said Admiral Schofield, “and I lien t his glorious sunshine at the end of it, and these picturesque mountains' flanking your fine port.” This was the way of the Admiral in putting them all at ease.

Calls were also paid by the Mayors of Christchurch, Lyttelton, and Sumner, and Colonel Young, which were subsequently returned. Shore leave was given early in the afternoon, and the town was thronged with sailors,_ a good many of whom found their way out to the. races. This evening n civic reception was accorded the officers. A lengthy programme has been mapped out for the entertainment of the visitors. Speaking at the civic reception tonight, Rear-Admiral Schofield • said: “Our object is to make friends. We want to make personal friends, and national friends, and there is no- idea of exclusiveness in that friendship. We .want it to extend to the remotest shores of the furthest- seas.” WELL-BEHAVED MEN. ENJOYMENT IX DUNEDIN. (Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, last night. Most of the-American sailors on leave seem to be spending their time in walking up and down the main streets. They do not seem to care about taxi-riding, nor are they given to gazing at- the shop windows. A ride on the trams to the .suburbs is apparently more to their taste. In all their doings they are behaving themselves, and are giving no trouble to the police or the shore patrols, and there is absolutely no sign of swaggering about the streets and demanding a passage through a crowd. Tlieir street manners are undeniably good, and the shore patrol men, who are accommodated with a room at the police station, are having a quiet time. This afternoon a. civic reception was tendered the Admiral and his officers, while to-night n dance was held in the Early Settlers' Hall, and the R.S.A. entertained 175 men. In addition the men of the fleet were admitted free to the •presentation of “Hullo, Dunedin,” a local play staged at the Y.M.C.A.