THE AUSTRALIAN FLEET.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1918, Page 8

THE AUSTRALIAN FLEET.

SOON TO RETURN. ;■■■■"■• It is expected that the units of the Australian fleet at present in English waters will be allowed to return to the Commonwealth at no very distant date. With most of the best ships of the German Fleet now in the possession of the Allies there is no longer any need to keep the same strict watch on the seas as was necessary up to the time the armistice was signed. The Australian IJavy has rendered magnificent service during the war. and all ranks and ratings manning our fighting ships are entitled to a spell. The suggestion has been made that Rear-Admiral Sir W. Halsey, commanding the Australian Fleet, may be [appointed to.take charge of the naval services in Australia, succeeding 'RearAdmiral Sir Wm. Creswell as first naval member. So far, however, no confirmation of the report has been received. from Sir Joseph Cook, the Minister for the Navy, who is at present in England. In the latest communication from http, on: this point Sir* Joseph Cook said he feared another three months would elapse before he would be able to secure the -nervices of a suitable naval-officer-, for the position. In any circumstances it is (probable that Rear-Admiral Halsey willvcome out, toAustralia with the fleet. 1 •The home-coming of our navy is csrtnin 1 to be made the occasion for a public de- [ monfttration, and ..officers and , men. are' (insured of a reception commensurate witli the highly creditable way in which they have discharged the serious duties that fell to them in connection with the immeasurable services rendered by the fleet to the Empire in the great and prolonger struggle now brought to a completely victorious conclusion.