AMERICAN FLEET.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 134, 9 June 1925, Page 12

AMERICAN FLEET.

ENTERTAINING THE VISITORS. CITIZENS COMMITTEE SET UP. GOVERNMENT ASKED TO HELP. "That this mooting of citizens request the Auckland City Council and outlying local bodies to co-operate with a view to finding necessary funds for the entert.'iinment of the American Fleet on a basis to be arranged, that the Government ■be asked to subsidise such ox-1 pendituro, that a committee be set up consisting of the Mayor of Auckland and members of the City Council, Mayors of suburban councils, chairmen of local bodies, representatives of nil sports bodies, all other sports clubs and representatives as well as social clubs, with power to add and to make necessary arrangements," was the text of the resolution passed unanimously at Hie meeting held in the Council Chambers yesterday afternoon to consider ways and means of entertaining the officers and men of the American fleet when visiting Auckland. The Mayor, Mr. Gco. Baildon, presided. He expressed himself as being sorry' that there was not a larger attendance, but attributed the smallness of the number to the fact that perhaps the limited half-holiday in the city was the cause. His Worship said the section which would visit Auckland from August 11 to August 25 would include the flagship and seven other battleships. Sir James Gunson in his memorandum concerning the visit had stated that no vote had been placed to expenditure for entertaining the visitors. Sir James bad suggested calling the citizens together the outcome of which was this meeting. Continuing, Mr. Baildon said the last visit of an American fleet 17 years ago, had run into a fair amount of money, and they now wanted to know what was doing. He understood that the' Government would validate any expenditure made by local bodies in the direction indicated. The city would {five the sailors the freedom of the city of Auckland as far as the trams and baths and such-like services were concerned, and no doubt the Harbour Board would do its share. The question was, however, should not some of the surrounding local bodies bo asked to give something towards the funds? No matter where the money came from the ratepayers would have to supply the money and as the greater majority of suburban ratepayers were in the metropolitan area, local bodies should consider the proposals on behalf of Auckland as a whole. Several sports bodies had intimated their willingness to help. As there was no money on the estimates for the purpose he would like the hearty co-operation of all. It must be remembered how the Americana treated New Zealanders during the war and we should return the compliment. In answer to a question the Mayor said the entertainment would cost from £3000 to £5000. As much as £10,00fJ would he spent. The Y.II.CA. was quite willing to do its full share. Mr. Brigham, town clerk, in explaining what had been done 17 years ago, said a citizens' committee had charge of arrangements and the expenses totalled £1080, which he thought the Governmen had 'subsidised. Miss Melville did not think the city's finances should bear the whole cost. This was a national matter. She was a firm advocate of the other local bodies being approached. Mr. A. J. Entrican thought that a large committee should be appointod consisting of the Mayor, city councillors, Mayors and chairmen of local bodies, etc., etc. As far as the city was concerned he was of the opinion that the council could not do anything other than give a reception and welcome at the Town Hall. It was not fair that Auckland and Wellington should have to ehoulder all the expense in connection with entertaining the fleet. The committee, he suggested, should certainly approach the Government for finance. Mr. A. G. Tjiinn expressed the opinion that neither the City Council, nor the city, could be expected to face the expenditure which would be entailed. The whole matter hinged on finance. He supported Mr. Entrican'a idea. Mr. M, Caughey suggested that the Government should be asked for a subsidy. He supported ■ the idea of outside bodies co-operating. Finally Mr. Entrican and Mr. Caughey drafted out the above resolution, which those present adopted, all being agreeable to act on the committee. It was announced that a meeting of the whole committee would be held in the City Council Chambers on Monday, June 15 at 3 p.m.