THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 31 August 1908, Page 5

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

ARRIVAL AT MELBOURNE

AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME

(United Press Association—Copyright.) Received August 30, ,8.7 p.m.

MELBOURNE, August 29. The reception of the fleet created a

reproduction of the s:enes of enthusiasm witnessed at Auckland and' Sydney. For a week visitors have been'pouTT ing into the city.

Before daybreak people began .to stream out towards the Bay and by 11, Tvhen the Connecticut led the warships through Port Phillip Heads, the bulk of the Melbourne residents wore segregated along the foreshore or aboard myTiad crafts which covered the Bay.

Tho white fleet was. greeted with unbounded enthusiasm.

Mr Deakin and Minister and members of the Federal and State Parliaments aboard a steamer met and accompanied the fleet to the anchorage off Gellibrand lighthouse. There' was fine weather and the gaily dressed shipping contributed to producing a magnificent naval pageant. v The usual salutes were fired. ■^*~~\ Daring the afternoon Admiral. Sperry landed at St. Kilda pier and paid an (Official visit to Carmichael. The Governor returned aboard the flagship.