THE WHITE FLEET.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9181, 2 September 1908, Page 5

THE WHITE FLEET.

THE CITY 'ILLUMINATED

TERRIBLE CRUSH AT RAILWAY STATIONS. A NAVAL CUTTER RACE. Received September 1, 10.12 a.m. MELBOURNE, September 1. A banquet by the Commonwealth Government concluded yesterday's programme. It was a brilliant historic gathering. The speeches were a reiteration of the friendly sentiments expressed, at previous functions. The Federal Premier (Hon. A. Deakin) referred to the natural and national great friendship between America and Australia. The city was illuminated, the display being confined to a number of public buildings and one or two of the leading streets, while the warships made an effective show. A torchlight procession of 1,500 firemen added an interesting feaiuie. Many people were overcome in the crushing crowds, and had to recjive medical treatment. The block at the railway stations at night was terrible. Women fainted by sccrcs. It was impossible to provide accommodation for the immense crowds, and thousands were kept waiting; for hours. A race for the Battenburg Cup and a money prize of £4OO, between crews from the Louisiana and the warship Challenger, over a threc-.nile course, resulted in an easy win for the Americans. The Britishers led for a quarter of a mile, and then the Americans shot in front, and finished with nearly a thousand yards to spare. Received September 1, 11.21 p.m. MELBOURNE, September 1. The festivities were marred by the rain to-day.