U.S.A. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1925, Page 3

U.S.A. FLEET.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] THE FINAL SAILING. AN IMPRESSIVE SIGHT. AUCKLAND. August 2d. The American Battle Fleet pur u> sea at 9.H0 this morning and proceeded down the channel in the same order as they entered. They proceed direct to Pago Pago whore they are due next Tuesday. ’The morning broke dull after rain overnight Imt, the sun came out mid shone brightly. Many thousands of spectators were on the waterfront and the surrounding shores from the city well down the Gulf. As the California moved from her anchorage the ship was fully dressed and Ihe hand was playing. She gathered way slowly and this was the signal for a great fluttering of handkerchiefs ashore and on the excursion launches. A few minutes later the West Virginia dropped into line followed by the rest oT the Fleet, and for three-quarters of an hour the watchers ashore had a splendid view of the impressive pageant of mighty battleships, taking their leave of Auckland, where the officers and men had made hosts of friends, the farewells being most sincere and hearty. ADMIRAL ROBISON’S MESSAGE. AUCKLAND, Aug. 27. The following farewell message to the people of Auckland was issued by Admiral Robison last evening: “Upon their departure from Auckland the officers and men of the United States •ships are carrying away with them the happiest recollections of their memorable visit. We, feel it a very great honor and privilege to have boon associated with your people ami to have confirmed through personal euilact all the good tilings which our predecessors in the navy have said of you -since their visit in 1908. Wo have been most deeply impressed with the evident desire in all quarters to make us feel that we were indeed among people of our own race and that the fundamental conception of life, iis aspirations and ideals were identical with ours. Your hospitality lias been more than generous; you have been most lavish in your entertainments and we are unable to express adequately our thanks for the- efforts you have made to give us pleasure- and eomlort during every moment of our slay. It is difficult "to tell you now much this all means to us, but if the warm friendship which we feel for Auckland and New Zealand is reciprocated by them we shall he satisfied and shall consider our visit as being the most satisfying proof of the real understanding and friendship which has always existed between our two peoples.’’ FELL INTO HARBOUR. AUCKLAND, Aug. 25. Mrs Hilda Jackson was saying goodlive to a sailor on the Idaho at 1.110 this morning, when Jackie overbalanced. Mrs Jackson tried to draw him back and lmtli fell into the harbour. A strong current swept them round the stern of the warship. James Mooney saw the mishap from a launch, and plunged in fully clothed, and assisted Mrs Jackson till all three were located by a searchlight and they were recovered by a boat from the Idaho. They were attended by a doctor ol that ship Airs Jackson was greatly exhausted and Mooney was suffering as a result of the struggle. Both were sent to their homes ashore. i X a DMI RAD’S FEARS. CHRISTCHURCH. Aug. 25. It was stated to-day by a citizen closely associated with Admiral Schofield that during the visit of G"’ American destroyer squadron to l.ytlelton, that on account ol clashes between hoodlums and sailors in the first few (lavs the Admiral seriously considered withdrawing the licet from Lyttelton.