U.S.A. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1925, Page 3

U.S.A. FLEET.

[Austrnlia & N.Z. Cable Association.] NAVY WINS FROM WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, August 24. A picked rifle team from the American Fleet met two teams of the Wellington Rifle Club men on Saturday at Trontham. and after a. keen contest the navy won. The teams were eight men and ten shots each at 300, 500 and 000 yards. The result was: Navy 1402 points, Wellington No 1, 1087, Wellington No 2, 1070. Lieut. Williams's (Navy) was the best score of the clay, I 14 out of 150, including the possible at the 500 yards. H. Boon (Wellington No J) also made the possible at this range, I). Robertson (Wellington No 2) scored IJ2, the best total among the local men. Both local teams were ahead cm the first range and though they retained the lead at the 500yds. tho Navy reduced the margin and at the' (jllllyds the Americans pulled the match out of tlio Jiro with very fino ■scoring.

WEDDING CEREMONY EPISODE. AUCKLAND, August 24. Two American sailors and two prospective brides presented themselves at the Registrar’s office intent on the celebration of a double marriage, but one of the sailors admitted his ago was only nineteen, so lie anil his affianced stood by while the Registrar performed the ceremony for the more fortunate couple. The bridegroom took tho ceremony very .seriously and expressed annoyance at the giggling by a female spectator, but the better as “Jackie’’ slipped the- ring on the bride's linger gave a laugh which was more than half a sob and rushed from the room and was eventually seen outside sobbing pathetically with a lover’s arms around her. A.M ERK’ANS’ ACCURATE SHOOTING. AUCKLAND, Aug. 24. Teams of nineteen riflemen from the American warships ami the Auckland Isille Club, met at Penrose Range when the latter was outclassed by the expert Navy men, whose accuracy was remarkable. The- condition* were ten shots at 300. 500 and GOO yards. The Navy team won by 28L0 points to 2713. Twelve men from the Fleet scored 280 bulls out of 300 shots. FLEET LEAVES WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON. August 24. Under very dismal weather conditions forty vessels of the United States Fleet left Wellington tTiis inclining in emiti mint ion ol their cruise. ’1 lie sun shone for a little while but them heavy clouds came lip and then rain tell. Despite the wet and cold, hundreds ol sightseers were on the waterfront and hills. The sight was very impressive. First lour aeroplanes circled over the city and harbour. Then the light cruisers began to move, lollowcci by the Jest rovers, tin* Seattle and other )iat t lesbips bringing up the rear. It took the belter part of an hour before the last vessel passed tile heads. Then r In* Armada formed into proper naval formation and proceeded cm lt.s way, manv people despite the iinlavoiirahle climatic conditions, watching it out of sight. Ferry limits, crowded, followed the vessels to the Heads. ADMIRAL’S FAREWELL. WELLINGTON, August 24. lit farewell messages, the Commander in Chief of United States Fleet says he views parting from Wellington with a- feeling of sadness. In the short space of two weeks the* various detachments of the fleet have grown to love the people and the country, lie thinks wc apologised 100 much for the climate, which is worse* in some parts of America in winter time. U has boon a pleasure* to note the- wonderful progress of New Zealand ami he hoped it would continue.