UNITED STATES FLEET.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 226, 17 June 1908, Page 9

UNITED STATES FLEET.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE VISIT. THE AUCKLAND PROGRAMME. (lit TELEGBAPII—TRESS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, Juno 16. Tho Executivo Committtfo that is arranging for tho visit of tho Amorican fleet havo been in communication with Sir Joseph Ward with regard to tho' programme to be carried out under the direction of tho citizens, and they hove indicated that, in view of tho largb number of mon from the loot who' would require entertaining, and tho cost of arches, decorations, and other unavoidable expenditure, at least £6000 would bo required by the Citizens Conimittoo. Irrespective of tho Govornmont programme, thoy pointed out that tho local bodies had voted £3000, and that tho citizons had very willingly agreed to go to considorablo.oxpenso in illuminations and decorations, and thsy suggested that the' Government, as this was a Dominion invitation, should subsidise-tho local bodies' grant to tho extent of £ for £, making up tho £0000 required. Sir Joseph has telegraphed that tho matter is being considered by Cabinet, that tho citizens programme had been approved, and that the required subsidies will bo granted. VISIT TO ROTORUA; ' (BY TILEQttAFH.— PBES3 ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, Juno 16. Mr. T. E. Donno stated to-day that preparations for tho visit of the officers of the American fleet to tho Hot ..Lakes District are well under way. On tho Thursday a visit will be paid to the Ohinemutu Native village, and that morning the now Rotorua bathhouses vrill be officially opened by tho Prime-Minister. This will bo followed by a drive to Whakarewarewa, where, Wairoa Geyser will be ."played" for. tho benefit of the party. A largo number of Maori guides, under tho control of Maggio Papakura, liave been told off to conduct tho visitors round the' sights. A Maori entertainment will bo held in tho evening. Trips for individual parties have been arranged to Wairoa, Tikitore, Waimangu, and on Lake Rotorua. On Friday the visitors will return to Auckland. STATEMENT BY MR, HAMER. • Mr. T. H. Hamer, Government Entertainment Commissioner, with Mr. T. E. Donne, in connection with the visit of the American fleet to Auckland, returned from tho Northern centro on Monday, and yesterday gavo a Dominion representative some interesting particulars of tho recoption plans, supplementary to those already published. • Tho public of Auckland, Mr. Hamer stated, are preparing to receive the fleet with great enthusiasm. The/ feel that thoy are on their mettle, sinco it will fall to them to show hospitality to the visitors on behalf of tho Dominion. Mr. Hamer does not think thero is a chance of any of the I vessels or officers of the fleot coming South to" Wellington. The fleet; will consist of sixteen vessels, and the Powerful and two other vessels of tho Australian squadron are expected to take part in tho welcome. On Monday, August 9, after tho first reception and procession to the Military Hall, the Mayor of Auckland will present the visitors with addresses of welcome from tho*citizens of that city, and of any other towns which may-care to send _ addresses. At the Government banquet in the evening it is ex•pccted that from 700 to 800 persons will be present. On Thursday, at Rotorua, tho new bath-house of the Tourist Department, which is an unusually fine building, will be opened. It is proposed that special exhibitions of haka, poi and other dances shall bo given while tho visitors are in this district. No programme has been set down for Saturday, as it is quite probable that there may be some return-of hospitality on the warships. In the afternoon the annual football match between Auckland and Wellington will bo held. The fleet will leave for Sydnoy either ,qn. Saturday. evening-..-or on Sunday morning;' '.- r- ' .., Very ' complete arrangements. .havo Vbeen made by tho Auckland Executivo for tho' entertainment of the sailors. Daily matinee performances, will be given, at tho two .theatres', and athletic, sports. gatherings will be held, at which prizes will bo given for tugs-of-war and other competitions. • Free rides will bo afforded- to tho men on trains and trams. After the first Wo nights, the' Military Hall will bo at the disposal of the Auckland people for entertainment purposes. Many of the shopkeepers intend to 'spend large sums on decorations and illuminations, and Mr! Hamer says there is no doubt but what Queen Street will bi a gorgeous spectacle when tho illuminations are at their height. At cortain hours tho tram traffic in this 1 street will be suspended, so that the public may view the shop illuminations and decoratipns from tho middle of tho road. A bureau will bo established to give comploto information to visitors as regards .accommodation in tho city. The Government will also establish a bureau, where information can be gained about New Zealand, and from which literature about the Dominion .will bo distributed. A money exchange will also be established. Mr. Hamor will return to Auckland on Thursday or Friday, and on his arrival Mr. Donno will como back to Wellington. Tins two Commissioners will then take turn in' supervising the Auckland preparations • till tho fleet arrives.