THE AMERICAN FLEET

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LIII, 11 April 1908, Page 5

THE AMERICAN FLEET

ITS VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND. AUCKLAND’S SCHEMES. iPItEBB ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, April 10. The announcement that the American fleet is to visit New Zealand and make Auckland its port of call in the Dominion has been received with much gratification in the city. It is certain that the visit will be made the occasion for a carnival week in Auckland, something on a large scale which will attract visitors from all parts of the Dominion. Probably from , twenty to thirty thousand visitors will come here and join in the great greeting to be extended to- the American officers and men, and, through them, to the American nation. Excursion fares by rail and sea are expected to be provided to enable visitors from all parts of New Zealand to-participate in the welcome. It is assumed as a matter of course that Parliament will adjourn during “Fleet ■week,’ 5 in. order that members of hoth Houses'may participate in the festivities, and it is suggested that as the gap between ihe rail-beads of the" Main Trunk line will be comparatively , short, the members of Parliament should be conveyed in a body over the railway, thus enabling our lawmakers as a whole to gain a good idea of the country in the North Island.

(Received April 11, 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 10

The Globe states that Australia’s invitation .to the American fleet has a signification of Australia’s fear of Japanese invasion. A large British squadron ought to be despatched to Australia to welcome the Americans.