Public Impressed

Grey River Argus, 12 August 1925, Page 5

Public Impressed

BY BATTLE FLEET. AUCKLAND, August 11. lhe entry of the American Battle Fleet io Auckland provided a magnificent spectacle, ,as the great ships rounded North Head in turn, and anchored in the stream. Br.gbt sunshine prevailed, and the scene, as the salutes of the guns were exchanged between the flagship •‘California,' and Fort Cautley, with seaplanes dashing about on the harbour, was most impressive. The Fleet was later in arriving than expedited, and various ollicial caills delayed the CIVIC RECEPTION, which attiactod a great gathering, leputy Mayor Warnock spoke on be half of the city, and Sir James Parr, represented the Government. • Admiral Robinson, who was cheered on rising' said it was difficult to tespond properly to the welcome that had been given. “Perhaps,” he said, “you don’t all know or realise that, next tn Canada, New Zealand is now my nearest neighbour. Wo have moved to Tntuila, and you have moved to Paia, trad wo can see each other on a clear day.”

He coiitiinied: —“The ships of I nited Stites fleet which steamed in lo d.:y dressed in more sombre colours than those of the great white fleet ol 1908, equal it in personnel, and have a greater tonnage. They carry a message of friendship and goodwill from thi people of the United States of America to the people of New Zealand. O.ie of your commentators at the time of oui memorable visit of 1908, said “friends to-day, the two nations will be comrades tomorrow in the conservation ol their rights and privileges against the possible aggression of the foreigner,” a,id so it Came to be that we were comrades in the great work: v.«r. The world recognises the progress of the suns and the sacrifices of the daughters of New Zealand, anu so vv» now come to voa as comrades, Heading the pleasant pains of peace, and always ready to upho.u ti.e right.” (.Cheers and applause).

A large number ot men were given shore leave, and the streets ot the city were crowded with sa.lors tonight. There was a reception by tne L mted -States Consul a,, the Town Hall, a brilliant spectacle being provided. To-morrow, five hunured men ol the fleet, will leave for Hamilton, as th guests of the Government, and on Friday, Admiral Robinson and 200 officers will leave for Rotorua.