THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 162, 2 April 1908, Page 5

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

ENTERTAINMENT OF THE VISITORS. A GOVERNMENT GRANT: , , .BY IELEGIIAPH—SPECIAL CORItESPONDEXT V Auckland, April 1. , ■ ■ Discussing the evontuality of: the American Fleet visiting New Zealand, Mr/ Alfred Kidd, ■M.P., expressed tho opinion that if -tho fleet did come, the Government would do all it could/.to show, tho .visitors tho resources of our country, its natural advantages for tourists, and in a general way to make,.the visit as pleasant asipossible. In,this way, the people of America and New Zealand could bo brought ■ oven closcr together, than- they were now. If the Government wero asked to make a' grant'towards the oxpense of receiving and entertaining, tho fleet,, ho was quite sure, it would bo rnado,:and he did,not think anyorio would Opposo such a proposal. 1 " It is a national, matter,"'said Mr. Kidd, " not one to bo left to'one city in the Dominion alone.", , .Mr. J; Bollard, M.P., said ho was strongly in favour,of the Government encouraging the fleet;to'como here.' ~ , ' ' " ; '

I-think,"'ho; said, "the Government ought; to take 'the' initiativo, arid'spend somo money in ontortairiihg the fleet. From the Governor dbw'n, we, should bo as hospitablo as possible, hot only. .to the i officers, but to the men." '

A. visit l from tho fleet to tho Dominion would, lie considered,-do a rfreat deal of good in improving tho friendly relations now existing .between the United States arid the British" Empire. Ho would bo in favour of a reasonable grant being mado by the, Goverrimont to assist in tho proper celebration of the occasion, but the citizens shoiild also do their share. Ho did-not-'think any members of tho Opposition would objcct'to such a voto.