U.S.A. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1925, Page 3

U.S.A. FLEET.

SAILING TO-«AY. SYDNEY, August o. 'l'ho American Fleet "ill sail at eleven o’clock instead of nine o clock on Thursday as at first arranged. The Governor "ill wireless a iarcwell message just a.s the vessels are leaving. The Admiral and .Fleet members spent to-day in paying farewell calls. MELBOURNE, August 5. 11l a farewell message. Admiral Coontz says: “The American Elect leaves Australia, with the kindliest of thoughts of its people, and "ith thankful hearts. The great courtesies extended, the arrangements for handling the fleet during its visit, and the caretaken have been phenomenal and .successful. The visit has exceeded our fondest) expectations.” Admiral Coon tv. concludes: In all my experience, I have never .seen such outpouring friendship and kindness.” FEDERAL FAREWELL MESSAGE. MELBOURNE, August 5. In a farewell message to Fleet, Mr Bruce Prime Minister, says that on liehalf of the Government and people of Australia, he desired to express the utmost gratification at the result of the visit. Australians will ever treasure their association with these worthy representatives of their great country. Their admirable conduct, manliness and friendly personality have endeared them to all citizens, and have created an. impression which time "ill not efface. Mr Bruce concludes: “Wo feel that, from this visit, wo have forged a link which will not break.” ■SYDNEY. August 5. A seaplane from the New Mexico was flying over the Harbour, when the land and water caught one of the wing-pontoons. The .seaplane overturned and crashed under water, being completely wrecked. 'lhe crew were rescued unhurt. .MELBOURNE, August 5. 'When the American destroyer MacDonotigh was leaving the Victoria dock to hake up a Bay anchorage, she collided with coal hulk, laden with twelve hundred tons of coal. The destroyer was undamaged. The hulk sank less than 150 yards from the entrance of the dock. It will take two months to raise it. If the accident, had occurred at the entrance, il would have prevented tlio sailing of the Fleet to-morrow. TASMANIAN VISIT. HOBART, August 0. The Anierienn cruisers arrived in wintry weather, and they were enthusiastically welcomed. FLEET AT HOBART. HOBART, August 5. The American cruisers presented a fine spectacle as they came up the river at a speed of twenty-seven knots. Large crowds gathered at the piers and points of vantage 'about the harbour and gave the ships a rousing welcome. The chief event of (he day was a route march of sailors through the city, Governor O'Grady taking the salute. Several parties were taken on excursions to Launceston and other parts of the State. The cruisers had a rough crossing. Tt is reported one of the Richmond's boats was smashed. MR. LANG’S MESSAGE. (Received this day at 11.25 a.in.) SYDNEY, August G. Mr Lang, in a farewell message to the American Fleet, says the visit will assist in bettering the understanding on matters in the Pacific region, which equally concerns both America and Australia. It will likewise- improve trading relations. Australia, lias rearh€<l a stage necessitating an ever widening overseas market for her productions and she is looking to America largely to meet her requirements ii that direction.

Mr Lang expresses keen appreciation of tlie conduct of the. men of the Licet. This has been exemplary in all circumstances.