END OF A BUSY WEEK.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 192, 15 August 1925, Page 14

END OF A BUSY WEEK.

RACES AND SPORTS TO-DAY.

MORE AMUSEMENT FOR MEN NEXT WEEK.

j■" With half the stay of the American Fleet gone there is still the busiest time before our guests. Next week they will have a large choice of amusements, and as steps are being taken to do ; more for the men, they should finish up by having no reason to i complain of our hospitality.

As far as the public is concerned the two main events of next week will be the route march through the city by a large body of men from the Fleet, which takes place on Wednesday afternoon, and the illumination of the ships, which has been fixed for the night of Thursday. The exhibition game of baseball on Thursday will also attract a lot of attention, as very few people here have seen this, the national game of America.

Among the additions to the programme for the entertainment of the men of the Fleet may be mentioned further trips to Rotorua, and daily motor drives organised by the Auckland Automobile Association.

WONDERS OF ROTORUA. AMERICANS GREATLY PLEASED WARM MAORI WELCOME. ~ ENTRANCES THE VISITORS. The officers and men of the American fleet who were scheduled 'to go to Kotorua were assured that their visit would be a novel one. and the first detachment which arrived to-day hnd an experience which- must have exceeded their expectation. The thermal region they investigated as only an American would, while they were delighted with the warmth and novelty of the native welcome which was a feature of their reception in Rotorua.

The special train which left Auckland at 7.5 a.m. with Admiral Robison and his-officers., was joined at Frankton by Rear-Admiral H. J. Ze/geineir. of the Pennsylvania, and Captain D. W. Todd, of the Nevada, and .30-executive officers. An .enthusiastic welcome was awaiting the train when it drew in at 1 o'clock, the Mayor of Rotorua. Mr. C. H. Clinked, and Mr. Ft F. Hockly. M.P. for Rotorua, formally extending "the glad hand" ■ -" •

After luncheon a striking Maori welcome took place at Ohinemutu. The visitors- advanced into the native- square before a party of retreating Arawas, who led the way into the meeting-place territory sacred to the Maori traditions. Having 1 ' been po honoured.- 50 Maori ma : dens'. -looking charming in the'r native dress, proceeded to enchant the v'sitors by the. charm ar:d rhythm of poi aiid other dances. The dances fired the braves, and at the erd of an evliilirat'liK scene the visitors heartily applauded. Chief's Eloquent Remarks. Then followed some typical speeches of welcome by some, of "the venerable chiefs. With a voice full of emotion, one fine old fellow, Te Hapara. declared: "We welcome a distinguished sailor and his o'Hcers. We welcome you to a spot that has been trodden on by our present King and the Prince oi Wa,'es. You have crossed the ocean in your canoes, and we hope to have the pleasure of seeing them in Auckland. We hope that others will follow you. Haeremai! haeremai! ' haeremai!"

. Hakas followed and the visitors spurred their guests to further efforts, the. ;novel .dance greatly entertaining them.

. After Sir James Parr as the representative of the Government- had spoken, a delightful" ceremony took place in the form of presentations. Mr. Tai Mitchell, cliief._of _the Arawas. handed to Mrs. Robison a beautifully worked pin-piu. with which she. immediately encircled herself, and endeared herse'f to the frssembly. Rear-Admiral Rodman received' a walking stic'c, elaborately carved, while the. Admiral wa« presented with a Maori paddle, and Sir James Pa-fr a'greenstone drop.

"' ' Admiral Returns Thanks. "I consider,it a great honour to have the opportunity of being greeted on ground on -which so many distinguished visitors have been welcomed," said Admiral Robison to the Arawas. "All of us have read of you from the time we were children." He hoped his men and the wahines would exchange glances of mutual admiration. (Laughter.) In the United States they had the native Indiana, who were iivinp in peace and unity with the white people. He thanked them for the paddle and said Mrs. Roibison also wished to express her heartfelt thanks for the "skirt." {Lautrhter.j "She will not only be envied when she gets back home, but will at least start a new fashion," he added, amidst laughter. Admiral Rodman and Sir Jame? Parr also expressed their thanks. The welcome concluded with a hunting song by the Maori maidens. Rear-Admiral Rodman was so impressed with this that he was afterwards heard asking for the mus'c.

. When the ceremonies were over the - Tisitors proceeded to visit as many of the sights as they possibly could about Ohinemutu. but the wonder- of Whakarewarewa were reserved till to-day. The first party is due back at Auckland this evening. FIVE HUNDRED MEN AWAY. SOMETHING WARM ASSURED. The reports which have, been received from Rotorua show that the visitors are being well entertained, where the wonderful thermal attractions are being added to by the warmth and charm of the dative welcome. Five hundred petty-officers and men left the dullness of" the city behind this morning, setting out by special train for Rotorua. They were an expectant.crowd as they lilted the 14 carriages placed at their disposal. -Rotorua will be reached about 1 p.m.. and the return trip made to-morrow afternoon. VISIT BY ADMIRAL COONTZ. I. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") ROTORUA, this day. Admiral Coontz, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Navy, is coming up from Wellington on a visit to Rotorua. He will be accompanied by 200 officers. The party will arrive at .Rotorua on Jlondaj' by special train at 1.10 p.m.

MOTOR TRIPS ARRANGED. A.A.A. TAKES A HAND. The A.A.A. Association, with commendable enterprise, has arranged to take parties of men and ofiicers for motor drives next week. This morning the service officer (Mr. R. E. (hamptaloup) visited the California and arranged for a party of 30 men to have an outing each afternoon next week until Thursday, while on Friday the ofiicers will be similarly entertained.

Members of the association and other motorists who are able to make their cars available are requested to communicate with Mr. Champtaloup. The cars will assemble ■ each day at the Prince's wharf at 2 o'clock.

BALL AT WELLINGTON. A GREAT SOCIAL EVENT. (3y Telcgnii>n.— Press Association.) WELLINGTON, 'Friday. The weather moderated a little to-day. enabling some parties of officers and men .of the fleet to visit some of the country districts adjacent to Wellington.

Admiral Coontz and his senior officers were guests at the New Zealand Club, at which there was a representative gathering. Admiral Coontz acknowledged the hospitality. He said it was impossible to accept all the offers being made and still carry on necessary work at the shin. -

Several private parties and receptions were given for officers and men this evening and a great social event was the citizens' ball at the Town Hall.

Admiral Coontz, Commander-in-Chief jf the American Fleet, and a party of officers will proceed to Rotorua on Afondav. He will be accompanied by Sir Francis Bell, Attorney-General, and Mr. J. Hislop, Under-Secretary of the Internal Affairs Department. They will remain at Rotorua over night, having for Frankton on Tuesday in time to connect with the limited express for vV'ellington that evening. HAKAS FOR FLEET.

OFFER FROM THE ARAWAS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) ROTORUA, this day. The Arawas have offered the chairman of the Harbour Board to send a troupe of haka and poi dancers to Auckland on Thursday to entertain the men unable to come to Rotorua. Admiral Robieon assured the party of a cordial welcome on the California as the Admiral's guests. He would give an opportunity for the officers and men of the Fleet to witness the entertainment on Friday.