THE TRIP TO ROTORUA.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 275, 13 August 1908, Page 7

THE TRIP TO ROTORUA.

SHORT STAY AT HAMILTON. Admiral Sperry and about 200 officers of the American fleet, with ten officers of H.M.S. Encounter, journeyed to Rcfcorua to-day by special train as the guests of the Government. The Premier, Lady "Ward, and Miss Eileen- "Ward, the Hon. J. M'Gowan, and members of the Legislature, with their lady relatives and other guests were also An the train, tho total number on the trip being about 300. Tho party left Auckland immediately after tho race meeting. A halt of half an hour was mado at Hamilton, whero tho Goveru.rneut had provided tea in tho spacious Horse Bazaar near the Tailway station. The Miyor (Mr. J. S. Bond) and Borough Councillors welcomed, tho visitors, and accompanied them to tea. The Defence and School Cadets were lined up along the route from the station to the building, and a large crowd shouted Maori cheers. The trip was mado the more enjoyable by the _ fine weather, which, seems likely to continue. Rotorua, which was decorated and illuminated for the visit, was reached at 11.30 p.m. A DISAPPOINTMENT. (BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) Rotorua, August 12. The Hamilton people were very much disappointed that the American officers could, not make a longer stay in their town. They wanted to banquet tho visitors, drive them round the district, and show them the -Ruakura State Farm and other places of interest. The town would have been profuscly decoratod, and tlip bautjuofc would. - have been served in the. best city style, with local improvements. "We weren t going to, let Auckland'beat us," was'the remark bf a Hamilton Borough Councillor as he finished telling The Dominion special reporter the story of what, might have been. Tho ■ Government, however, decided to bear tho , whole cost of the refreshments to bo provided at Hamilton, both this evening and on Friday, and to allow the tram to halt for only half all hour on each occasion. Hamilton's dosiro to show hospitality to the guests from across the Pacific is typical of the whole of the northern province; . The people 'of llussell tried very hard, but unsuccessfully, to have, somo- of the warships visit their own beautiful harbour., Ou [Saturday j and Monday business in all the country towns was practically suspended, for the' general public had trekked ,to the Waitemata., Iha majority of the trippers havo now returned, AT ROTORUA. Despite-the late arrival of the special train at Rotorua there was a considerable crowd awaiting the visitors. On the platform were tho Reception Committee, headed bv the Chairman (Dr. Wohlinann), and members of the Chamber of Commerce. Formal ceremonial was dispensed -with, and the guests were driven to their various quarters all being vociferously, cheered by the crowds congregated outside the station gates. The ,town is gaily decorated, flags and bunting floating from every private, house and shop, and all the public bnildings. The sanatorium grounds havo also been beautified : for tomorrow's bis function (the ooenmg of the new bathhouse}. Provision has also been made for genoral illuminations to-morrow-night, a great display of Chinese lanterns,, and fairy lamps being in ovidenco. THE MAORI WELCOME. It is announced that the Maori welcome to be given to the officers,of the American Fleet and tho New Zealand legislators in tho Sanatorium Grbunds to-morrow morning has been arranged by tho combined Elders of Ohinemutu, AVhakarowarewa, and Nga,puna, who wish it to bo understood that it is to be an official welcome from the Arawa tribe. The proceedings will take the typical'• form • of ancient Maori welcomes tc distinguished guests. The programmo begins with tile " wero," or challenge, and includes speeches, ■ songs, and dances.