U.S.A. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1925, Page 3

U.S.A. FLEET.

[by telegraph— run press association.] THE ALTA IR DEPARTS. CHRISTCHURCH, August 21. The repair-ship “Altair ” departed first amidst lively scenes, the Filippino hand playing Anld Lang Sync, the crowd joining in. Many sailors threw their hats ashore and the spectators rushed them as souvenirs. ( TIISTCIITRCI-I FAREWELL. CHRISTCHURCH, August 21. All roads led to Lyttelton to-day, and the port was thronged with thousands of jieople to witness the departure of the fleet. The morning was taken up with farewell calls, Admiral Schofield paying warm tribute to the hospitality accorded the Elect hy the people of Christchurch and district. The Altair was the first to leave, followed by the destroyers, but it was not until 3.50 that the Omaha cast off, to the accompaniment of terrific cheering, ami of whistles and sirens. WEDDINGS. WELLINGTON, August 21. A quiet wedding took place to-day. hut the bride and bridegroom wore very happy. The wedding was that of S. 11. .Strirklett, Gunners Mate on the U.S. Oklohama. and a Wellington young lady. They were married cpiietlv hy the Rev. Mr Watson at St. Peter’s Church. E. A. Jones. Gunner’s Mate, was best, man. Stricklott sails on Monday. His wife will sail as soon its arrangements have been made for her at her husband's home at St. Louis in Missouri. "Oh hoy, you should have seen him!” said the best man. ‘•Had I and (a well-known brand of whisky) not given him aid. f think he would have fainted! It was the greatest little show I have ever been at.” AUCKLAND, August 21. ■Several Americans aboard battleships are to marrv Australian or New Zealand girls in Auckland. One girl, from Matamata, has already become a petty officer's bride. AUCKLAND CELEBRATIONS. AUCKLAND. August 21. Another searchlight display was given to-night by the battleships of the American Fleet. Great crowds of people assembled in the city, larger, if anything, than last night, owing to it being the late shopping night. A party of Arawa Maoris from Rotorua wore entertained by the Admiral and officers on the flagship California during the day. Organised entertainments will practically end to-morrow, as the ships will he preparing to go to sea on Monday, and will sail for Samoa on Tuesday. Tile Fleet Trotting meeting is to-mor-row’s principal feature. WELLINGTON DIVISION. WELLINGTON, August 21. The local police speak very highly of the behaviour of the American sailors, and state their conduct on the whole lias been most exemplary. An inquiry on the Seattle to-day elicited the reply that Admiral County, would talce his now shore position, that of a twostar admiral, in place of his present four-stars, in accordance with the ordinary procedure in the American Navy. From time to time, it was explained the Select Board meets and appoints or transfers to new stations the Admirals of the Elects. Admiral Count/, will, at the end of the cruise, hand over command of the Elect, to a successor to lie appointed, and will take no yn administrative position at Hampton Roads. One of the American launches caught lire to-day, through a back-fire from the carburettor. After some trouble, the fire was extinguished, the tug Terawhiti taking a hand in the operation. In order to give the public a better view of the departure iff Ihe Elect on Monday, it has been timed for 111 a.in., instead of 7..'10 a.in. A feature will be a grand display by seaplanes, all of which will be catapulted off at the same moment. The Maori War veterans have had an illuminated address prepared for presentation to Admiral Comity..