THE CIVIC WELCOME.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 273, 11 August 1908, Page 9

THE CIVIC WELCOME.

SPEECHES BY GOVERNOR AND MAYOR. ADMIRAL REFERS TO "COMMON INTERESTS." Auckland, August lo; The line of march to tho Military Hal] was crowded by a ehecring lino of. spectators, and overlooked by thousands from windows, balconies, .'and parapets. Arrived at the . Military Hall,, his Excellency the Governor, in a speech of welcome, alluded to New Zealand as not the least loyal of the King's dominions. King EcK ward and President Roosevelt, .-said his Excellency, were honoured, not only for the positions thoy occupied, but for the noble work dine by them for humanity. The Mayor, having read the citizens' address, Admiral Sperry rose, and met with a magnificent reception. Ho referred to the great work for peace done by Britain and the .United States, and. declared that their interests in the Pacific were common interests. In tho welcome extended to the Fleet, ho nothing had been left undone that the heart of man could desire.

Admiral Spcrry's Reply. Admiral Sperry, replying to the Mayor's speech, said: — . "Nothingcan give me more pleasure than to accept this address as a most cordial and frteious souvenir of welcomo extended to the 'leet which I have the honour to represent. It is peculiarly fitting that there should bs the strongest possible ties_ of amity and friendship between two nations of common ancestry, common blood, common traditions, and common aspirations; and that friendship is doubly cemented by the fact that we realiso that tho two nations liafo done so much for the ponco of tho world, and are a large factor in everything that tonds to happiness and progress throughout tho world. (Applause.)

. "The Imperial interests of both great nations In tho Pacific are the same from the Dominion to the uttermost point of ■ tho Philippines, and from Now Zealand in the north-oast towards Haiwaii and tho coast of tho Unitod States thero is an unbroken chain o? common interests which to-day are only beginning to cfca \ volop—common interests, tho magnitude cf whioh it is almost impossible for us to appreciate, it is growing from day to day with tho expansion of trade, the opening of tho Panama Canal. And common interests need common protection. It is very well, and it is essentia!, that tho principles af peace should bo settled by Tho HaEU3 Csnforencej but it is essential that there aheuld be some guaranty that those prlnoiplo3 will be followed, and tha two great F!eet3 which meet togotiur in Auckland, and with common int»f«sta, rnnki fsr that pcaco. (Applause.) Thiy main for AngloSaxon peace throughout ths Pacific and throughout the world. "It is fitting that Imperial interests should ho .recognised as common, and are being promoted by our two liiecutiro Heads; but it is peculiarly fitting that on this occasion we should rccogniso tho fact that the basis of friendship between' our two great nations must lio in the people, and it is particularly acceptable that we should find hero a "••netint expended to ua from every

city, from boroughs antl • municipalities in overy part of New Zealand. In tho streets it. is peculiarly gratifying to soo that each county, each borough, and each municipality has sent a token of its welcome. They aro from representatives of the people who aro in close touch with tlio people, and represent their sentiments where tlio peoplo are unable to. present themselves by word of mouth, as they liavo been doing all this morning in the streets- (Laughter and cheers) to' our very great gratification. Ships can lie bought with money, but men and sonls cannot bo bought with money (Applause), and the lifo of our fleet, which we cannot replace if it is ill-trained and not self-respecting, lies in tho men of the fleet to whom you liavo extended so cordial, gracious, and generous a welcome. On behalf of tho officers and men I thank you all most cordially for your welcome. Nothing' has been left undone or unplanned that tho heart can desire."