Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Thursday 17 September 1908, page 8


THE FLEET.

CELEBRATIONS AT ALBANY.

AUSTRALIAN SOUVENIRS.

ALBANY (W.A.), Wednesday.

The fleet safely rode out half a gale of wind from the south-west last night. This morn-

ing the usual steam launches were running between the vessels and the shore smothered in spray. The weather conditions moderated as the forenoon wore on, and the relatively fine weather of the afternoon materially con-

tributed to the unqualified success of the reception given by Admiral Sperry. Mr.

F. W. Burke (American Consul) and Mr. W. I Noble (Chilian Consul) paid separate visits to Captain Morgan, of H.M.S. Gibraltar, and were each accorded a salute of seven guns

A number of young kangaroos, emu, dingoes, and cockatoos from the Perth Zoo have been distributed among the fleet. Officers and men alike appear anxious to secure mementoes of

Australia, more particularly native weapons

and it is no uncommon thing to see a group of Jackies armed with spears, boomerangs and shields, making their way down to the landing. Two were encountered on the jetty this morning, each dragging behind him a 10ft bough of sandalwood.

Private enterprise was responsible for an announcement yesterday that a fight would

take place between champions from respec tively the Gibraltar and Connecticut. A big crowd paid entrance money, but the most that was witnessed was the engagement of two of

the Connecticut men.

Sports, are being held on the recreation ground, and comprise the champion log-chop of the State. A large crowd was present.

Owing to the arrival of the missing colliers, and the necessity entailed of coaling a second time, the departure of the fleet has been post-poned a few hours, the precise time not yet being fixed.

The fleet loaded 60 tons of potatoes to-day. To-night the officers were present at the Civic ball.

It is now specifically announced that the fleet will pass close in at Fremantle in day-light.

An eight-round boxing contest hetween Hun-ning, a petty officer on H.M.S. Gibraltar, and Paddy King, of Perth, resulted in a draw.

At tbe sports meeting a tug-of-war between teams representing H.M.S. Gibraltar, the American fleet, and the local police was won by the lastnamed. who easily pulled the Americans over after the Americans had

beaten the Englishmen.

Tredeman, of the Nebraska, threw a cricket ball 108 yards, and won the contest.

Midshipman Bird, of the Wisconsin, was successful in the 100 yards sprint; and Mid-shipman M'Conncll beat all comers at putting the weight.