THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 129, 30 May 1908, Page 7

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

RECEPTION ARRANGEMENTS. Preparations for the reception of the American fleet have now been commenced in Auckland, a considerable amount of work in the way of instituting inquiries in the direction of entertainment and decorations having already been done. In conversation with a "Star" representative this morning, the Mayor of Auckland (Mr A. M. Myers) stated that information had been collected as to the various halls and places of amusement which would be available, and every j merchant and shopkeeper in Queen-street canvassed, with a view to ascertaining what they were prepared to do in regard to decorating and illuminating their premises. Judging by the general enthusiasm with which the idea was received, Mr Myers considers that decoration and illumination of business premises will be -very general. From the information gathered, Mr Myers states that it is evident that the halls available will be quite sufficient for the purpose, and, as a result of his own inquiries, he states that the managers of the two Auckland theatres are prepared to arrange matinee performances each afternoon. The i?ayor considers that each afternoon some 3000 officers and men will be thus distributed in these two places of amusement. Football matches have been arranged to tak_e place on Saturday, August 15, and an invitation will be extended to the officers and men of the flee£ to attend. Mr. Myers reports that the management of the Auckland Rugby Union has taken up the niattec with enthusiasm, and is prepared to do everything possible to make this feature a success. The question of arranging for baseball and boxing matches, tug-of-\var, and other similar pastimes is also receiving attention. Mr. Myers has suggested to the Government that the decorations used in Wellington on the - occasion of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York might be used in Auckland during the fleet's visit, as he understands these, which were of a lavish description, are still in existence. He considers that it will be generally conceded that natural foliage should take a prominent part in the decorations, and with this end in view has communicated with Mr. Pearson, the recently appointed landscape gardener to the City Council, and at present in charge of the Rotorua Sanatorium grounds, on the subject. A conference has been arranged to tako place shortly with Mr. Pearson, who, it will be remembered, was responsible for the beautiful display of ferns at the Christchurch Exhibition. "In conclusion," said Mr Myers, "everything is satisfactory to date. As soon as the Government proposals are forthcoming, arrangements will be made by the members of the local and general committees to commence, vigorously and energetically, the work of bringing to fruition these and other schemes that may appear to them suitable for the entertainment of officers t»nd men, in a manner that will be worthy of the occasion. From the way in which all the citizens have entered into the proposals, it is quite clear that they are willing to realise the privileged responsibility of entertaining the fleet." On Monday afternoon the Mayors anu . Chairmen of the City and surbufban bodies will meet in conference on the questions, and the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) has notified Mr Myers that he will bring in the necessary legislation authorising expenditure on this account by the local bodies concerned. Messrs. T. E. Donne and Hamcr, the Government's Entertainment Commissioners, are expectedfo arrive in Auckland next week, and, after consulting with Mr Myers, a meeting of the general committee will be called. The Mayor expects to receive the Premier's intimation of the Government's intentions in time to lay before Montiay'p conference.