U.S.A. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1925, Page 1

U.S.A. FLEET.

[BY TEBKGUAPH—I’Kit riIESS ASSOCIATION'.] HARBOUR BOARD U'XCHFOX. AUCKLAND, An-. 20. Speaking at tin: Harbour Board tli 11nor, Admiral Robison said that while in Sydney lie had mentioned that the accounts of the welcome of ISIOS fleet had become a tradition of the I'.K.A. .Xavy and all of those now on tour were interested to see the countries that bred the men who had covered themselves with immortal glory on Gallipoli and in France. fie was sure that the name Anzae would last as long as history. (Applause). Since the ships had been in Auckland they had been royally received, and he wished. to convey the thanks of all ranks for that hospitality. Some people tried to give their visit a political significance, hill, as with the DOS tour, it was purely one of friendship. They did not t.rv to disguise the fact that when they came on such visits they came among brothers and fell very much at home. The Admiral remarked that ho had mentioned to Lord Burnham that all Xew Zealanders were journalists, for as he understood the term, a journalist was a judicious embellisher ol lads, and the people of 11 1 i - country were as enthusiastic about their'beautiful country. that as boomers, the people ol the Tinted States were back numbers by eompari.soti, except those ol l.os Angeles. (Laughter). YISITIXG 01-T’K Kit'S IMPRESSION'S. A KC'K LAX I). August IP. Although claiming that it was purely through a misunderstanding that he had been invited to address the Auckland llotary Club at a luncheon. Gaptain Thompson, fleet surgeon oi the I’niied States Xavy, proved himself an accomplished raconteur and a speaker of no mean order. With whimisr.il humour Captain Thompson explained how the secretary had mistaken him lor the chaplain of the licet, and. on l he assumption that the clergy always had plenty to say. had immediately intermed him that he would be expected to address the Auckland Rolarians at their next meeting. The outstanding impression gained liming his visit to Australia and Xew Zee and. the sneaker said, was tliaL the relationship between the American visitors and the people in the Dominions was not,that of consulship but of brotherhood. "Wo certainly speak almo-t the same language.” added the captain, amid laughter, "and you Xew Zealand people apparently share our national gift of modesty, for, although I have been in Auckland nearly a week not one person has yet a slic'd me what I think of your harbour.” Speaking in serious vein. Captain Thompson said he found the Empire spirit stronger, deeper and truer in this country than in any other dominion of the British Kmpire. That spirit wax one that made most strongly lor the permanency of the English-speaking nations, of which the Knilcd States claimed to be one. It was the pioneer Englishmen who breasted the lorests of America in ages gone by, who went into the vast waste spaces of Australia who hold aloft the tori'll of civilisation in Xew Zealand, and laid tie foundations of Kmpire in Smith Africa. And u was to those men that the nation owed everything. Upon their descendants rested a great responsibility nml duty, and future generations would pass judgment on the maimer in which tlio.e obligation- were fulfilled. "Wonderful opporl uuif ies for improving conditions, as between man and man and nation and nation, are m the hands of 1 he English-speaking nations io-day.” continued the speaker. '‘and I feel that it will be the Enulish tongue that will eventually carry the message of peace and goodwill to all nations for all time.” GREAT REXEDIX SEXD-OEE lU XEDIX, Aug. 20. The Fleet look i l s departure this afteruoou in heanlilul weather, and amidst a see I -real cm Im-ia-ni. The Wharves and all points of vantage were packed with die,'ring crowds. The de-trovers left al one. followed by the Melville al it,fee. Limit. Commander Patrick. Flag Secretary to the Admiral, said that of all ports visited. the opinion among til livers and men. was thal Dunedin was the best ol all. They would never forge I the hospitality of the people, and I he linn friendship, formed. The desi rover division of the American Fleet. w hic h has hem, visiting Dunedin during the pasl ten' days, sailed for Wellington this al teriinim. Huge crowds lined the wharves, and when the big ships .Melville and Decatour cast oil', I here w as a memorable scene. Thousands of many-roloiirod streamers literally tied the ship to the wharf, while an exchange .ol souvenirs was conducted on a vast scale, not the least uninteresting being the action ol many blue jackets in easting white caps ashore. The local and ships’ liands enlivened the proceedings with patriotic airs, and as tlie big vessels moved off. there was continuous and vociferous cheering. As the vessels proceeded down the harbour, there, was an unearthly din created by the sounding of sirens and wliislles. The huge crowd that lined the. wharf remained till the warships had Invited the corner out. of sight, and then the people regretfully retraced their steps to the city, musing on the happy and spectacular conclusion of a memorable ten days. LAST DAY AT (TIRfSTCHERGH (Tilt fSTC'I I FRC'I I. Aug. 20. The last night ashore for the Fleet visitors was terribly wot—not- altogether with tears of good-bye, nor with overflowing ol hospitality*, but maiul.v with the down pour of rain. Still every sailor had somewhere to go and only the streets were miserable. One of the big functions was an entertainment by the Returned Soldiers Association for a large hotly of the visitors. Rear Admiral Schofield sfiul as lie replied to the toast of Ids health : —"Xo man among u- will tail to reiiiembei the very magnificent, hospitality ol Christchurch and Lyttelton, and the whole of Canterbury. I've got a feeling in mv heart —it x bubbling owl down there —but 1 can f express - There is a lump in my throat that is getting bigger as the hours that remain rf our stay grow shorter. T want to thank you for all you have done for US. During the day the Admiral hold a reception aboard the Omaha, which was largely attended. The fleet leaves to-morrow for Wellington. HRE \T TT.LUAITX ATTOXS. AUCKLAND. An?. 20A great searchlight display by the American battleships ro-r.tght drew nmliv thousands of people to the waterfront. The display continued for a u hour, and it made a wonderful spectacle in the sky. The battle?!:ips were also illuminated for three hours. These displays will he given again tomorrow. . . , , . j • Another party of ->m departed 1 morning for Rotorua. several thousands oi people watched a baseball match at the Domain between the California and Colorado, which was won by the California by jive runs to three. . . A reception and dance on board the flagship California was largely alter,dX concert was given in the Town

Hall by a party of GO Arawa Maoris from Rotorua, and was greatly appreciated by the sailors. SAILOR'S GIFT OF £IOOO. AUCKLAND, Aug. 20. Out of gratitude for hospitality, the men of the American Fleet subsen aei’ one, thousand pounds to endow a cot at the RoyaWUexam^^