U.S.A. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1925, Page 1

U.S.A. FLEET.

[by TELEGRAPH —PEB TRESS ASSOCIATION.] A GREAT SIGHT. AVELLIXGTOX, August 22. The American destroyer detachment arrived hero at 7 o’clock this morning, and although the hour was early, and the weather dull and at times damp, many sightseers on vantage points watched the entry, it sight well worth seeing. AVELLINGTOX, August 23. On Saturday the harbour presented an imposing suectacle with line after line of grey battleships and the squadrons of destroyers from Dunedin and Lyttelton. There was also the light cruisers. From Pipitea wharf, where the (lagship “Seattle,” and the battleships Pennsylvania and Richmond lay to Eastbourne, while on tlte eastern side of tlio harbour, over forty handsome vessels of the United States Navy rode at anchor. Their presence did not in the least inconvenience the ordinary I’oitv and steamer traffic ol tin* barhour. The ships lay in a semi-circular formation towards the Pelotie side ot the harbour, so that the lairwav was quite clear. Another fifty vessels could have been accomodated without interfering with the passage of vessels. All day launches shot to and from the vessels and the wharves. While thousands of bluejackets and marines landed in tlte ships’ launches, thousands if civilians made the journey to the vessels. The* light cruisers and destroyers, in turn, nestled up to the mother ships, received supplies, and then went astern and took up their position in the line. It was all done so expeditiously as to afford an ample testimony of tlio efficiency of Tlte visiting naval men in this respect.

During the afternoon, the harbour presented a unique spectacle, nearly ball a hundred grim grey vessels riding peacefully at anchor. The city wharves were crowded with battleships and Home and foreign steamers. Tito surface of the water was churned into fount bv dozens ol motor launches scurrying to and fro. There was a most impressive searchlight display in the evening, and the Admirals’ Ball was a great social success. FLEET’S PRESENT TO ARAWA TRIBE. WELLINGTON, August 23. This morning Admiral Counts*., on behalf of tiie Fleet, presented to AltConics. to Ik; sent to the Arawa Afaoris a little silver vessel. The Premier received it with pleasure, and spoke of the level footing on which tlio Maoris had 1 loon placed liy the New Zealand Government. Admiral Count/, said the present, was a token of their appreciation of tin* hospitality extended ai Rotorua. Their kindness he would always remember. Lieut. Keopa Elian, a member of the Arawa tribe, who was wounded in the Great War, also said a few words, and expressed appreciation of the gift.