U.S.A. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 August 1925, Page 1

U.S.A. FLEET.

[I)Y TELEGRAPH —REE PRESS ASSOCIATION.] SPIRIT OK FRIENDLINESS. AUCKLAND, August 18. Another perfect day favoured the Elect festivities. A spirit. of friendliness, which Inis been growing steadily as the passage of the days makes for better acquaintance, was more than usually manifest to-day in the holiday throngs and happy gatherings seen throughout the city. -Many of the sailors have made good friends, and not a few have openly expressed their readiness to take hack some of the critical conclusions reached during the first few days of their visit. This new spirit is very largely due to a grim er willingness shown by the citizens i: oli’ering personal hospitality in place of leaving everything to the Official Committee. The Flagship California received a great many visitors. Chief among them were Major-General C. AY. Melville (General Officer commanding the New Zealand military forces), and Colonel X. R. Potter (officer commanding the District). They were officially received by Admiral Robison, and on lon ing .Major-General Melville was accorded a salute of eleven guns. The Auckland Club’s ‘‘At Home” to the admirals and officers was a most successful function, thoroughly enjoyed by the naval visitors and 700 guests who were present In the evening a boxing tournament at the Town Ha attracted a number of the men, and a large section of the sporting public. A feature of to-morrow’s programme will be a ceremonial route march through Queen Street. AT ROTORUA AND HAMILTON. ROTORUA, August 18. The train with the press delegates arrived here late. The reception at the railway was very brief. The Mayor welcomed the visitors on behalf of the Councillors, am! Mr Hill on lehall of the Tourist Department. The transport arrangements were good. The delegates were taken to the Grand Hotel, where arrangements were made to cater for the whole party. An entertainment. by the natives is being given at the King’s Theatre to-night. Tomorrow morning a native display will be witnessed at AYliakerewnrewa. HAMILTON, August 18. The members of the Empire Press Union Delegation, who are spending a few days in New Zealand, before leaving for Sydney to attend the conference, arrived at Erankton Junction to-day and spout an interesting three hours inspecting the Government House Factory and the different factories of the New Zealand Dairy Coy. The party were met on arrival by Mr A. E. Manning, representing the Provincial Press of the Dominion, who, alter luncheon, arranged a motor run round the district for the ladies and ( those not keen I v interested m indus- < trial matters. 'I he party expressed , themselves as greatly pleased with their short visit to Erankton and Hamilton. The members were evident!v impressed by what they saw. ’I he visitors leit lor Rotorua, where they j will make a tour of the various places , of interest and will then proceed lo Wellington, where they will embark for Sydney on the 28th inst. AT ROTORUA. ' ROTORUA, August 18. Admiral Coontz and his officers re eetved a great reception here. Whcr- | ever they went, the Maoris vied in giving them a good time, All the visitors were delighted with their visit | tu Rotorua. They cordially invited ( Arawas to Auckland. Admiral County, and Itis • Hirers ( were entertained at the King’s Th 'tro j last night by the Arawas. A presenta- | tion was made to Admiral A\ ylie. IN THE WAIRARAPA. , M A STEP TON. August 18. j Rear-Admiral Ziegeucir and a party , of eighteen officers arrived at Masterlon Ibis morning, and are being billetted with citizens overnight. 'I hey were accorded a civic reception, and a public luncheon to-day, and are guests at a Elect Ball in honour of their visit to-night. They return lo . Wellington to-morrow. PARTY VISIT WANGANUI. WANGANUI. August 18. Twenty-live officers of the American Elect arrived at Wanganui this afternoon on a three-days’ visit. I hev were given a civic welcome, and later were entertained at afternoon Lea by a large official party. A full programme has been mapped out, including trips to interesting places in the district. AT CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH. August 18. Beautiful weather was experienced to-day and the officers and men of the American Fleet had their time fully taken up with luncheons, dinners, one! dance.-. A big contingent went by special train to Timnni. All. restrictions on leave have been lifted, and the men are being overwhelmed with oll’ers of hospitality. To-night Air 11. W. Nicholson (Mayor of Sumner) and a party of residents of tlie Borough visited the U.S.'S, warship “Sumner, ’’ and made a presentation of a piece of plate for use in ibe ward room, as a token of appreciation of the manner in which the officers and men have treated the people of Sumner. Alter the presentation the officers and crew of the destroyer ae*.ompauied the party hack to Sumner where they were the guests at a special dance arranged lor tin* occult IRIST( II (’RCII. August. 19. The officers and men ol the I .S.A. Elect had allot.her good day to-day. Parti*.*-, visited Akama and New Brighton. and many attended a baseball ‘match between the Elect and Canteiburv. which resulted, as expected, in a handsome win lor the visitors. This evening there was ihe usual round ot gaieties. VISIT TO TI MAKE. TIMAKU. August IS. A Knit four hundred members of the Fleet arrived at Titnaru by special train this morning, one hundred haling previously detrained at Temuka At~ both centres civic receptions were accorded the visitors in the presence of large gatherings. Much enthusiasm was shown. Various entertainments were provided, and all appeared thoroughlv to enjoy the visit. AUCKLAND ROUTE MARCH. AUCKLAND. August 19. The march of 2000 men from the American battleships was the main event of the Fleet programme to-day. With bands playing and banners flying. the men made a very brave and striking show, which earned the admiration of spectators, of whom 80 thousand lined the route, ten. twenty and thirtv deep. It was a thrilling sight. Admiral Robinson took the saline at the Town Hall. The marines

marched with the air of regiments oi fool ■ ■ uan!s oil parade, anil rousing cheers greeted them. 11k* crowd momenta rilv hroko the barriers near the Town Hall, and the march "'as bold tip. but order was soon restored. To-night the Harbour Board gave a dinner to the Admiral and officers. To-morrow morning, ."50 men leave ior Rotorua.