U.S.A. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 August 1925, Page 2

U.S.A. FLEET.

[Australia it N.Z. Cable Association.] SQUADRON AT DUNEDIN. DUNEDIN, Aug. 10. The American Fleet section under Admiral Coontz, from 3lelbourne, arrived in New Zealand waters twentyfour hours ahead of the scheduled time. The Admiral was informed beforehand that the Fleet’s arrival had been N timed for Tuesday morning, and when they learned of the difficulty as to the arrangements, lie kindly offered to remain off the heads, hut in view of the heavy seas outside, it was thought better that the ships berth, and a filial radio sent last night read: “Harbourmaster pilots at Tairoa Heads at 7 o’clock Monday. Bring all vessels to Dunedin wharves. Unfortunately ties will militate against a fitting welcome during arrival.” The arrangements had included the pcsemc of two thousand children on, the wharves and many other features iW assure fittingly a warm welcome. Onlxfl official calls will constitute to-day’s programme. I ast Tuesdav the Mayor was officially notified' that the contingent could not arrive before Tuesday morninjjr. Nothing further was hoard, and mi Saturday, the Harbour Board, through the American Consular representative. wirelessed the flagship Melville that the arrangemnts were complete for Tuesday, receiving the disconcerting news of the earlier arrival. DUNEDIN’S AVELCO3IE.

13 SHIPS BERTH. DUNEDIN. Aug. 10. Though Dunedin’s welcome to the American Fleet was arranged for tomorrow, thousands of people crowded the wharves to-day. The vessels berthed promptly. The vessels here consist of the largo tender “Melville” (Rear-Admiral Marvel). 12 destroyers, anil two mine-lay-rs. Their total complement is two thousand men. The Melville berthed at 9.20 a.til., followed by the first destroyer seventy minutes later. The Tramways Band struck up a welcome, and cheering, and the waving of American flags were very much in ovidnec. At ten o’clock the Mayor and partv hoarded the 31elvillo to the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” by the University girls. Large parties of school children to-day visited the ships. ARRIVAL AT "WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, Aug. 10. The weather to-day is showery ami cold. Hut the Government Meteorologist. while doubtful as to the prospects for t o-iii or row. thinks there may he an improvement hv mid-day, so that the arrival and berthing of the American warships may he carried out umlei 1 letter weather conditions than prevail to-day. A serious cyclonic disturbance oft the East Coast of the South Island, however, makes forecasting difficult in the absence of information from the westward. AT AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, August 11. The American Fleet was sighted from Tiritiri at 8 50 this morning and is due to enter the harbour at 12 and drop anchor at 12 30. The weather is fine hut cloudy and sea- smooth, there is every prospect of an enthusiastic welcome, under perfect conditions.

LINE AT WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON. Aug. 11. \t 10.15 the detachment of the American Fleet to visit Wellington was approaching the Hoads. Jhe vessels w d| he in the harbour oil schedule time. The day is gloriously fine.