THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 140, 12 June 1908, Page 2

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

ADDITIONAL PROPOSALS.

The American Consul-General for New Zealand (Mr. W. A. Priekett) has forwarded to Rear-Admiral Sperry of the American fleet a draft of the official programme as arranged by the Government Commissioners and the Local Reception Committee. This will reach the Admiral before the departure of the fleet from San Francisco. In addition to this programme, the Mayor (Mr. A. M. Myers), after the procession on Monday, will entertain the principal visitors at lunch at his residence. The remainder of the party will probably lunch at the clubs, f A meeting of the General Committee will be held on Monday or Tuesday next. It is proposed that as the Industrial Association is making the display of New Zealand manufactures during fleet week, the gaps in the line of verandahs on the East side of Queen-street should be covered in. This suggestion is in connection with the proposal to decorate the main thoroughfare through to Karanga. hape-road. • H. Hamer, one of the Government fleet entertainment commissioners, returns from Roto ua to-morrow night, Mr. T. E. Donne, the other commissioner, remaining in the Hot Lakes district for the present.

PROPOSED RACE MEETING.

(By Telegr»ph.-Press Association.) CHBISTCHTJRCH, Thursday. The secretary of the Canterbury Jockey Club was seen by a "Press" representative to-day regarding the suggestion contained in a telegram from Auckland that in order to get over one of the difficulties connected with the race meeting proposed to be held there in connection with the visit of the United States fleet, it would be. s a ""graceful concession on the part ,-of- the Canterbury Jockey Club.-ii-it agreed to its steeplechase meeting being held on the Ellersiie .racecourse. The secretary said that the club had received no communication on the matter, but he thought it would be impossible to carry the sugi gestion out. He imagined that the object of the race meeting proposed to be held in Auckland was to provide the committee arranging for the welcome of the fleet with funds for entertainment purposes.

TOO GENEROUS HOSPITALITY.

A THOUSAND DESERTERS.

(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.)

LONDON. June 11. The New York correspondent of the "Daily Mail" reports that there have been over 1000 deserters from the American fleet since it arrived in Californian waters. Owing to the superabundance of hospitality accorded them, the sailors have •become dissatisfied with the life aboard the vessels