U.S.A. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 August 1925, Page 1

U.S.A. FLEET.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

GREAT SYDNEY FAREWELL. SYDNEY, August 0

The fine weather which heralded the arrival of the American Elect held throughout its visit, and the vessels steamed out of Sydney harbour this forenoon; bound for Auckland under Height sunshiny skies. The crowds which gathered along the foreshores to hid the Fleet farewell had a splendid view- of the stately procession of big ships, as they passed down the Bay, and gradually faded over the horizon. The lifting of the anchors at eleven o’clock was greeted with an outbreak of “cock-a-dootiling” from the ships in the harbour, and by other noisy demonstrations from many small craft afloat which continued until the Squadron passed the Heads. A steamer carrying the Ministerial Party, and a number of launches, crowded with the public, accompanied the warships down the Harbour. The city lias assumed its normal appearance again to-day, and it seems almost strange, wanting the hundreds of white-capped American seamen strolling through the streets, which has been such a feature for the past fortnight, and without the thousands ol Hags which floated over the buildings and decorated the streets.

The visit on the whole, is regarded as having been successful. The wives of Admiral Coontss and a nuniher of other leading officers of the Svdney and Melbourne sections of tho Fleet will sail for Now Zealand in the llocraki on Friday morning. MELBOURNE’S SEND OFF. MELBOURNE, August G. The American Fleet hero was busy at an early hour to-day preparing for the departure for Wellington. AA'ith so many ships to handle, and with the long trip down the Bay to negotiate this was necessary. Sonic of the smaller craft moi ed from their moorings yesterday, getting ready to fall into line as tho bigger vessels passed out. The weather conditions were more favourable than on tho stormy day of the Fleet’s arrival here, and the people gathered in large numbers around the Bay. They had a better opportunity of viewing the ships during tho five hours which were occupied in passing from their anchorage through tho Heads, which they cleared at about noon. The .shipping in port decorated itself and gave the visitors a rousing sendoff, with shrill blasts from their sirens. and tlie crowds in the launches added their quota. Many people took advantage of the excursion steamers, and there was a steamer with an official party aboard, which joined in the procession down the bay. Ton applications were made at tho City Court by American sailors for leave to marry, without giving the necessary three days’ notice, but only one was granted. Admiral Comity, gave a farewell dance aboard throe of the battleships. It was attended was 18.000 guests. It is officially reported that only nine members of the Melbourne division of the American licet failed to report before the fleet sailed. When the roll was railed in J’ort I’liillip Bay. it was discovered that twenty-one men were missing. Three of the warships, including the flagship “Seattle*?’ experienced mechanical trouble in the passage down the hay, hut their departure was not delayed. A .MEMORABLE TIME. SYDNEY. August f>. Admiral Robinson, in a letter to Air Lang, Premier of New South Wales stated that the welcome to the Fleet as a demonstration of cordiality and friendship, has surpassed anything of a similar character that he has experienced. Admiral Robinson in a farewell letter to the Lord Mayor of Sydney (Mr P. Stokes), said: “Your reception to the Heel has set a. standard of friendliness which the members of my command do not expect to lincl equalled in any other port they visit. They have been most deeply impressed by (lie sentiments of genuine friendliness displayed hv tile people ill all walks of life.” He concluded: “They leave with the greatest regret, hut always will remember the people of Sydney with the utmost pleasure.” The Heel v.ere accompanied ten miles to sea by an aeroplane circling low over the flagship, tho pilot waving good-bye. AMERICAN PRESS VIEAVS. NEAY YORK. August 5. The New York “Tribune” dwelling upon the peaceful friendliness of the English-speaking peoples, says:—“Our lleet's visit to Australia is an incident of our annual high-seas training cruise, hut ft is also a gestir which emphasises the very irieinily relations existing between the l uited States and the British Australian Commonwealth. As Pacific powers, their interests run parallel, and their outlook' on Far Eastern problems is alines identical. Canada falls into the same group, and Canada, Australia and the United States, find themselves in harmony on must of the issues which arise not only in Pacific polities, hut also in general world politics. This is an entente that is not embodied in any formal article of association, but one resting on the secure foundation of common policies and interests. AA hat they all desire is the maintenance of the status quo in the Pacific and the elimination of the excuses of war in that region. For these three peoples, co-operation has become almost a matter of course, and the expression of feeling behind such co-operation is equally natural.” The New York “Evening Post.” remarking on the Royal welcome in Australia t<> the American fieot. says: “As the Jingoes on Both sides of the Pacific have quietened down, there is nothing to mar the visit of the American fleet shins to the Antipodes. On this side of the Pacific no effort will make it seem anything other than an incident in a practice cruise. On tho other side of these waters, the .Japanese have refused to become excited about it. Such irritations and misgivings as existed a few months ago. when the cruise began, have vanished under the emolient of common sense, mixed with good will on both.

FLEET LEAVES MELBOURNE. • THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND ME.” (Received this day at S a.mA MELBOURNE. August 6. There were remarkable scenes of enthusiasm as the fleet commenced its voyage. Each ship was a mass of streamers and the shores were lined

with a cheering multitude. The ships proceeded down the bay with the Australian Air Force ’planes circling each vessel. The last heard of the fleet as it disappeared in the haze was the band of each ship playing “The Girl I Left Behind Ale.”

DEPARTURE FROM HOBART DELAYED.

HOBART, August 0. The American cruisers have delayed their departure for New Zealand until four on Friday afternoon. Lord Strndhroke decided not to return to Alelhourne but to pay a visit to New Zealand and will go as a passenger on the flagship. Speaking at a reception Admiral Al'agruder placed Rio do Janerio ns the finest harbour in the world, with Hobart second and Sydney third. He added that Hobart offered the best shelter in any weather. A fine dav was spent in sight seeing.