U.S.A. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1925, Page 2

U.S.A. FLEET.

[Australia A N.Z. Cable Association.] TOUR STARTING TO-DAY. HONOLULU. June 30. Admiral ('mini/, to-day made a larewcll address ni Honolulu, and cxpi’os ml greetings m Australia and New Zealand over a local radio broadcasting slat ioll. The Commamlci . comment ing on the men’s good behaviour, pointed out that thev represent every portion of the United States, .and are not to be compared .with the old-time sailer, who was. in tile va-t majority of cases, cl foreign extraction. He releiTed lo the fact that Honolulu was applying lor the title of “.Mother-in-law of the Navy” so many were the officers who had been married hero in the last ten weeks, and be added that the officers and crew are looking forward to their long trip to Australia and New Zealand. The Commamler-in-Chiel i- in almost daily communication with the authorities m tin two count no. and lie know-, from the Iricndiy character of the messages. that great interest is being taken liv the citizens of Hie Commonwealth am! the Dominion. Those who made the F.S.A. Fleet cruise around the woiid and visited these countries in 1!)!;8 w ill remember I heir hospitality, and their interest in the l idled .stales Fleet.

ADMIRAL’S AI ESSA(; E. HONOLULU. June 30

The following message to the people of Australia and New Zealand lias been sent, through the newspapers of tlie Commonwealth and the Dominion, from the U.S.A. Fleet Coniniander-in-Ciiiel’: “The officers and men of the United States Fleet have been waiting eagerly lor llie order ol departure. I hey have bad an enjoyable time at Honolulu. but this great journey lias proved to be one of the most popular in. the history of the Navy, and thev are anticipating Iheir visit to Australia and New Zealand. They have beard of Ha welcome being prepared lor them, and they reciprocate the leeling ol' Iriendsliip thus expressed. Tlie cruise, for many of them will mean a renewal of old acquaintances, but lor inosl it will mean the making ol new ones that will prove pleasant t radii ions. (Signed)— Count/.."

MONOLITH’, June 30. Admiral Rodman, interviewed, said the United Stales had planned to send the fleet on a visit of courtesy to Australia in 1915 hut the outbreak of the war had camelled the plans. Admiral Rodman pointed out that when the American Fleet co-operated with Lord Beatty in the North Sea. the British put ail their resources at the command of (he Americans, even their secret codes. The co-operation of the British and American licets was perfect. Sometimes he was serving under British admirals, and at other times Britisiii-is served under him. Liteiong trieinlships liotween the men and officers were l hitformed, ami these, like the present cruise, were even more valuable than treaties for the maintenance of AngloAmerican friiul-liips.