ENTERTAINING THE FLEET.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 126, 28 May 1919, Page 6

ENTERTAINING THE FLEET.

•DEPUTATION TO MAYOR. HUNT CLUB PROPOSALS, A deputation from the Pakuranga Hnut Club waited upon the Mayor (Mr. J. H. Gunson) this morning, with suggestions in the direction of assisting to entertain Admiral Jellicoe, the oflicers and men of the Fleet that is to visit Auckland later in the year. The deputation 'consisted of Messrs. Bullock Webster, W. Dalton, R. B. Neal, W. A. Johnston, and Dr. Grant. Mr. Bullock Webster was spokesman, and explained that they had been appointed to wait upon the Mayor in reference to the entertainment of the Fleet. They proposed to hold a Hunt Club ball on the Friday, and a point-to-point race meeting the following morning. The officers would be invited to both, and the meeting would have the added advantage of affording the mcii an opportunity of seeing the event combined with a trip to the country. The Mayor said he had no definite information yet as to when the Fleet was due to arrive at Auckland. Admiral Jellicoe would, of course, go to Wellington first as the guest of the New Zealand Government. The visit of the Fleet to Auckland would be an occasion for the citizens to enjoy the pleasure, also the privilege, of providing a fitting re- ' ception and entertainment for so distinguished a guest. He, therefore, proposed to call a meeting with the object of forming a Citizens' Committee, as it was a matter for the people rather than the City Council. The expenditure of the corporation was limited by law.j therefore it would necessarily be a matter for citizens to dertl with. Mr. dunson said he fully appreciated the ofTer made by the Hunt Club, and would place before the Citizens' Committee, when that was formed, the desire of the Club to entertain the oflicers at a ball, and it might bo incorporated in the programme decided upon. That would, however, be a matter for the Committee to settle. The question of the point-to-point meeting was essentially of Hunt Club interest, and was a very good idea, as it would afTord both officers and men an opportunity of an outing in the country. That would, he thought, be readily incorporated in the programme to be decided upon. Steps must be taken to ensure that while tho Fleet was in Auckland harbour the officers and men were fittingly entertained in justice to the city as well as the great interest represented. The Mayor said he would also communi- : cate with Sir James Allen to ascertain the probable date of the visit of the Fleet to this port, and he proposed to call a meeting of citizens next June to j I form the reception committee. •