THE GREAT WHITE FLEET.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9172, 21 August 1908, Page 5

THE GREAT WHITE FLEET.

ARRIVAL AT SYDNEY. Received August 20, 3.15 p.m. SYDNEY, August 20. The lights of the fleet were sighted 'shortly after 5 o'clock this morning, then darkness r.nd a mist obscured them, and they were not again observed till 7.30 o'clock. Then only a sho.-t glimpse of them was obtainable as they headed seaward. The watcherj <n the cliffs had another two hours' wait, and at the end of that time one by one the great ghost-like while masses shouldered their way out of the mist, and became plainly visible They approached the coast in single line, and presented an imposing spectacle. Running close in shore the line broke into sections of four, and slackened speed and as they slowly ran down the coast towards the heads they performed a series of intricate and interesting manoeuvres. A large fleet of crowded steamers which went out early met the t-quad-ron, and fell in behind as an escort. 1\ e heads and cliffs everywhere were alive with sightseers. There were enormous crowds on the north and south heacs to watch the entrance of the fleet inta the harbour. Received August 20, 3.25 p.m. SYDNEY, August 20. An hour was spent in manoeuvring off the lighthouse. At 11-30 the fleet stood out again, and entered the heads in single file. The flagship leading the flotilla into the harbour was greeted with an outburst of cheering. The fleet saluted Australia with 21 guns fired by the Connecticut, to which Fort Deniston replied. There were numerous tram accidents as the result of the crush. SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. A MAN KILLED. Received August 20, 8 p.m. SYDNEY, August 20. Without fuss each vessel steamed to anchorage, and dropped anchor, tty one o'clock all were moored. "Admiral Sperry was greatly impressed with the enthusiasm of the reception. At 3 o'clock, Admiral Sperry lan 1 • ed amid the booming of guns, the Naval Brigade forming a guard of honour. He eallud on Lord Northcote (Goverror-Ger.ernl of Australia). A little later, Lord Northcote and Sir Hairy Rawson (Governor of New South Wales) returned the call. That concluded the oiticial business for the day. i It is difficult to estimate the number* who witnessed the magnificent pageant, but it is believed that fully j 400,000 viewed the spectacle Accidents were numerous, including manv serious tram accidents. A seasick passenger fell overboard at the Heads, but ua ! rescued. A man fell from the roof of a tram, and was killed. About fifty persons were treated at thd hospitals for injuries.

J3YDNEY BRILLIANTLY ILLUMI NAT ED. R: wived August 20, 9.54 pm. | SYDNEY, August 20. The city to-n ; ght was brilliantly ill— * d, and with the American and English vessels git wing with a myriad of lamps presents a wonderfully beautiful scene. Although the city illuminations do not reach in extant the efforts put forth at the Commonwealth Celebrations still what has bten done has been done well. The most imposing decorative effect is that of the immense statue of "Liberty" after Bertholdi in front of the "Daily Telegraph" office. The bronze statue rises from the pavement to a height <;f some sixty feet. It is flanked on either hand with an Awencan flag and a Union Jack Work:) with electric lamps. ■me outlines of the Town 1-Ldl are lined with electrh lamps. The Post Office presents a most S'riking effect. The huge building is one sparkling mass of lights. The Custom House is surmounted with a model of ih-j Mayflower and the inscription "To our kinsmen of the Mayflower," while at Admiralty House on the water front the American coat of arms in heroic size and delineated in coloured lamps casts its radiance across the bay. Martin Place, on which the Post Office stands, ;s beautifully festooned with strtamers in art shades suspended from Corinthian pillars surmounted by the American Eagle. Along Macquarie .street festoons of greenery cross and recross the street, converting it into a lung archway of green. At the entrance of the archway stands two massive pillars. That on the right is surmounted with a po'd-n eagle and on the shaft of the column is inscribed in gold the names the American vessels. The column on the left hears a gold lion, while the inscriptions display the names (f all the Admirals who held commands on the Australian station. All the public buildings are gorgeously illuminated, bearing devices of a suitable character. The streets are crowded with sightseers. Bands are playing American an' l airs at various points. Only a few of the fleet are ashore to-night, as the real entertainment does not commence till to-rnorrow. A FATAL FALL. Received August 21, 12.55 a.m. SYDNEY, August 20. One man fell over the cliff at South Head and was killed. The Governoi-General entertained at dinner the Admirals of the American tlest, Admiral Piore, Sir A. Deakin. Federal Ministers, State M nistry, Privy Councillors and Victoria and Queensland Ministers. It wa& a brilliant function.