AUCKLAND WE

Grey River Argus, 18 March 1941, Page 4

AUCKLAND WE

For 2,300 Men [Per Press Association] AUCKLAND, March 17. Symbolising the new tie of common, purpose which binds the United States and the British Commonwealth, a tie made all .the stronger by President Roosevelt’s historic speech of two days ago, a squadron of six American warships entered Auckland harbour this afternoon to the thunder of saluting guns, for a brief visit, embracing two complete days. The squadron comprises two ultramodern cruisers, the “Brooklyn” (flagship) and the “Savannah,” and the Sixth Destroyer Division, consisting of the destroyers “Case,” “Cummings,” “Tucker” and “Shaw.” It is commanded by Captain Ellis S. Stone, of Brooklyn. The total complement of the six ships is approximately 2300 men. The cruisers are berthed at the King’s Wharf, and the destroyers at the Western Wharf. Formal calls were exchanged by Captain Stone with representatives of the Government, the lighting services, and the local authorities. Shore leave was granted to a large proportion of the ships’ companies. The people of Auckland will have the opportunity to greet the visitors collectively at midday to-morrow, when there will .be a ceremonial march up Queen Street to a civic welcome outside of the Town Hall. A State dinner will be held at the Grand Hotel at night. Two parties of 500 officers and men will visit Rotorua to-morrow and on Wednesday, as the guests of the Government. Two parties of 250 men each wfil be taken on sight-seeing trips near the city. Dances are to be held in the Town Hall to-morrow night and on Wednesday night. The squadron will leave port on Thursday.

PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE U.S.A. COMMANDER’S REPLY WELLINGTON, March 17. Rt. Hon. P. Fraser to-day sent to the Commander of the visiting United States Squadron, Captain Ellis S. Stone, of the cruiser “Brooklyn, ’ the following message: “On behalf of the Government and people or New Zealand, I extend to you, your officers, and your ships’ companies, the warmest of welcomes to New Zealand. We are looking forward to meeting you and greeting you as representatives of that great and powerful nation which is doing so much for us in our struggle for freedom and democracy. We hope your stay with us will be enjoyable and fruitful.” . Captain Stone has replied in the following terms: “The commander, officers and men of this Squadron acknowledge, with the deepest appreciation, ypur most cordial message ot welcome. Bound, as our two peoples are, by ties of common blood and common interest, we are most grateful for the opportunity to visit a country whose armed forces are daily adding to the laurels of their glorious past. Your hospitality is traditional in my service. We who are now here feel privileged indeed to pay our respects to you, and, through you, o the people of New Zealand. ’