UNITED STATES FLEET.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2279, 26 August 1908, Page 2

UNITED STATES FLEET.

MILITARY SPORTS. BRITISHERS TRIUMPHANT. United Press Association. Copyright (Received August 25, 10.12 p.m.) . . SYDNEY, August 25. lbe weather was cold and showery, but there was a big attendance, including large numbers of Americans, at the military sports and gymknana at the Agricultural Grounds.

Tho Americans tried conclusions in the hundred yards running and tug-of-war, going down to tho Britishers in both events. Tho Lord Mayor’s reception at tho Town Hall was largely attended by drafts of officers. The men of the fleet were treated to railway excursions to the country. THE EFFECT OF THE VISIT.

AUSTRALIA’S DEFENCE

United Press Association. Copyright (Received August 25, 10.40 p.m.)

LONDON, August 25. The “Times,” lias a highly appreciative leading article dealing with the respective standpoints of America and Australia and their mutual interests in a cordial, and what may bo expected to prove, a lasting friendship between Australasians and Americans so fittingly represented by Admiral Sperry’s sailors. It remarks that the efficiency of the American navy is receiving no inconsiderable tost under peace conditions by tho present voyage. The Australians consciousness that the navy of the United States formed in -quite recent years bv a people in many points very like themselves tends to ciuicken their own national self-consciousness, and hence it may bo expected that an increased devotion of public attention to the question of national self-defence will remain as one of the lasting effects of this notable visit. THE HOSPITAL SHIP. (Special to “Times.”)

WELLINGTON, August 25. Tho lady correspondent of the “Post” makes the following interesing comment regarding the hospital ship with the American battleship fleet: “After all, one particular woman had a good deal to do with the comfort of the American fleet. Miss Anna Gould, at the time of the Span-ish-American war, presented her country with the hospital ship Relief, or, rather, she sold it for a dollar in order that she might keep the dollar as a memento. It is marvellously fitted up with all the latest and most fearful inventions in instruments and medical appliances, and it is manned by a magnificent staff. Tlie commander is a doctor, the only instance, it is said, of such a combination in the world. Tho officers are so enthusiastic over their work that by unanimous consent they have banished all wines and alcohol from thte ship except for medical use, so that a dinner party on the Relief is a simpler affair than on the other battleships.”