THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 130, 1 June 1908, Page 3

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

AUCKLAND'S WELCOME. CIVIC ARRANGEMENTS. A conference of mayors and chairmen of local bodies took place at the Council Chambers this afternoon, to consider various matters connected with the civic reception to be accorded to the visiting American fleet. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. A. il. Myers) presided. Mr. Myers said the meeting was called to consider the financial aspect of the reception. It could be done by private I subscription or by the various local bod-' ies voting the necessary funds out of their own moneys, so that each would contribute a portion to its share. The Government when approached had agreed to give the necessary legislative authority for this vote. It was difficult to decide, until the Government had definitely stated their programme, what the local bodies should do. The allocation for each local body on a sum of £2000, the following amounts worked out as follows:— Auckland City, £1,080; Grey Lynn, .-677; Jit. Eden, £103; Newmarket, £85; Parnell, £S3; Birkenhead, £19; Dcvonport, £S5; Northcote, £17; Oneh iinga, £ 55;. Archill, £ 17; • Avondale, £17: Eden Terrace, £22; Epsom, £48; Mt. Albert, £60; Mt. Roskill, 30; Mt. Wellington, £31; One-tree Hill, £58; Orakei. £1; Pt. Chevalier, £7; Eemuera, £99; Tamaki West, £20; Waiteluata County, £98. This sum, of course, mata County, £48. This sum, of course, was exclusive of the contribution of the Harbour Board. Presuming that the Harbour Board gave as much as the City Council, the sum woudl reach about £3,000, and the question to be determined would be whether this amount was excessive. Other matters, such as illumination and the erecton of landing stages, come within the immediate province of the Harbour Board. Mr. Macfarlane said that although he could no pledge he Harbour Board, he was sure they would enter heartily into any general scheme put forward. Tme Mayor said there was a necessity for them to make up .their minds definitely on this subject, md place the matter before their respective Councils.