THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 256, 22 July 1908, Page 8

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

' -4 .... (BT TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL COP.I'.r.SPONDE.S'T.I : Auckland, July 21. .- The railway authorities were surprised at tho small number of passengers journeying into Auckland from the' country on-Satur-day for the big Rugby match. The traffic was only a very little in excess of that of an ordinary day. Excursion facilities were offered, and two special trains were run from Te Awamutu, - Hamilton,, and -Huntly, but they were very poorly patronised; "I should say that only a few hundred, people camo into Auckland for tho match," said one of the traffic officials. '"AH.our.bookings just l now go to show that the country residents are nolding themselves back for Fleet "Week." CBY TELEGRAPH —TRESS ASSOCIATION.) , Auckland, July 21. Tho following letter from Mr. W.' A. Prickett, ' Consnl-General for the United States of America, was read at this afternoon's meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board:—"I have tho honour to inform you that I am in receipt of a dispatch from the United States Government stating that the Navy Department has contracted for the delivery of about 30,000 tons' of coal at Auckland for the use of the United States battleship fleet, and desiring mo, as the coal is wholly for the use of tho fleet, and is not to be landed, but discharged directly into the soveral vessels, to secure, if practicable, the freo discharge without the imposition of tariff duty or port charges of any kind; As coal is admitted, into New Zealand free of duty I would respectfully inquire whether tho Auckland Harbour Board could, under tho circumstances, remit the port pilot and other charges,, if any." 1 Ghrlstchurch, July 21. The flag which will represent Christdhurch at tho welcome to tho American fleet was dispatched to Auckland to-day. It is of large size, and bears on a white , ground ill red letters the words, " Welcome from Christchurch," with tho city arms in colours in I tho left 'hand top corner. .Tho Mayor and Town Clerk havo received invitations to attend the wolcomo ceremony. .