U.S. FLEET

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19367, 25 July 1925, Page 5

U.S. FLEET

SAILORS LOOSE IN SYDNEY ENJOYING THEIR LEAVE. By Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Julv 24. 5.5 p.m. SYDNEY, July 24. Tn fine weather, thousands of the personnel of the American Fleet are today enjoying a taste of shore leave. 'The streets are everywhere enlivened by groups of dark blue uniformed iwhite-capped sailormen with a sprinkling of marines distinguished by their light blue nether garments under dark jumpers. All are busy shopping, discussing goods in shop windows and sight-seeing. Altogether they are a fraternal crowd, readily conversing with people in the streets and freely expressing their opinions on things Australian. mostly complimentary. A fair number are luking advantage of being outside, the bounds of the dry regime and finding their way to hotels. On iho whole the visitors display loss uniformity of stature, are thinner in the flank, not so well sei up. and decidedly of more mixed nationality compared with the personnel of the British navy. Throe parties, ’dialling seven hundred, left on picnic, excursions which will be continued daily. A ROUND OF ENTERTAINMENTS 1. • ■ i -cd Julv 24. ILS p.m. SYDNEY, July 24. Over five thousand men of the America’* fleet spent <1 long day making themselves acquainted with the city and enriching shop-keepers by freely spending money. To-day *s ami to-night’s functions included a further exchange of official calls, a Parliamentary reception at Parliament House, a reception of the Admirals ami officers by the English Speaking Union, the Lord Mayor’s smoko concert to the warrant officers, ■ and a dance at Government House. | SYDNEYITES NOT IMPRESSED DRUNKENNESS AND BRAWLING. Received Julv 25. 1.5 a.m. SYDNEY, July 24. The American Jack ashore failed to impress the Sydneyites favourably, perhaps due to a small minority, but. there 1 were many regrettable brawls and cases lof drunkenness on the first free day the visitors experienced. AFTER-DINNER SPEECHES. CROWDS IN THE CITIES. SYDNEY, July 24. Speeches at last night's official 1 dinner to the visiting American Admiral and officers were chiefly mutually of a complimentary character. MELBOURNE, July 24. The unfortunate incident in connection with the steamer Weerooma, with lhe inclemency of the weather and the late hour the warships came up the bay robbed the welcome of some of the enthusiasm and spectacular effect anticipated. Nevertheless, despite the weather conditions, great crowds gathered along the foreshores and cheered the ships as they majestically followed each other in the long line the crews manning the ships. The visitors responded eagerly to the cheering and flag-waving from the shore. After anchoring, the remainder of the day was spent chiefly in paying and receiving officer calls. There will be other social functions to-day. i When the men come ashore the public will have a better chance of displaying their feelings. The city has be- . decked and prepared itself in readiness, and if the weather permits the streets ■will present a bravo sight. Afrs Coates, wife of the. New Zea land Prime Alinister, was among the guests on board the Weerooma who I were robbed of their expected trip. When the flagship Beattie was op- ; posite St Ki Ida as she came up the bay, hive aeroplanes rose from her decks and i circled over the column. ' MELBOURNE CELEBRATIONS. ; CHEERING CROWDS IN THE STREETS Received Julv 24. 5.30 p.m. MELBOURNE. July 24. I The fleet festivities, which the late iarrival hold up yesterday, are in full swing to-day. The procession of sailors was the chief feature. Proceedings were marred by the sensational collapse of verandahs crowded with people. MELBOURNE STREETS MUDDY AND FORLORN’. j Received Julv 24, 11.5 p.m. ! MELBOURNE, July 24. I The march of the Americans through I the city was marred not only bv the ' regrettable verandah collapse but through streets made sodden and i muddy by rain. The decorations presented a forlorn appearance. After the | march the seamen enjoyed a bounteous 'lunch in the exhibition building.

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT COOLIDGE.

Received Julv 24, 11.5 p.m. NEW YORK, July 23. President Coolidge, has issued the following official statement: 'Lhe welcome accorded to the American fleet on arrival in Australian waters by the Government and people of the Commonwealth is most gratifying. My hope is the visit of the American fleet to the far Pacific will emphasise the cordial

relations which now exist between the United States and the other nations of the world. —Aus. and N.Z. Cable Service.

i SCENES IN MELBOURNE.

MELBOURNE, July 24. It is estimated that over half a million people gathered at vantage points along the ninety miles of the Bay front to welcome the fleet. Admiral Coontz’s squadron comprised forty-four vessels of various tonnage. It took nearly two hours for the whole fleet to pass the heads. The journey up by following on the heels of the pilot was very slow owing to mudbanks and other dangers. The monster flagship Seattle had to do considerable manoeuvring before she berthed at. Princess Pier, Port Af cibourne. It was late in the afternoon before the admirals landed to pay official calls. Subsequently four thousand men wore given shore leave and invaded the city at night, enjoying themselves freely, but the full toned welcome which Sydney was able to give parading the navy yesterday was reserved for today.