A GREAT BANQUET.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LIII, Issue LIII, 11 August 1908, Page 5

A GREAT BANQUET.

ENTHUSIASTIC PROCEEDINGS.

AUCKLAND, August 11. Last evening Admiral Sperry and | the officers of the American fleet were entertained at a banquet at the Drill Hall by the Government of New Zealand. The large building was prettily decorated and about 1500 guests sat down. The Prime Minister presided, having on bis right the Governor and on his left Admiral Sperry.' The proceedings generally were of a most enthusiastic character, and the toasts of "The King" and "President Roosevelt," "The Governor," "The United States Navy," and' "The British Navy" were honored. The Governor, in replying to his toast, made, a particularly happy speech referring to the sincerity of New Zealand's welcome to the American fleet and the friendship of the British Empire to the other great Anglo-Saxon people. Sir Joseph Ward, proposing the health of Admiral Sperry, said navies and enlightened nations did not exist for aggression or conquest but for protection against oppression and for safeguarding the nation's greatest asset, its national honor. Admiral Sperry, in reply, said the mission of the American fleet was peace with justice, and so long as it floated undefeated no enemy could cross the seas either to America or New Zealand. He thanked New Zealand for the magnificent reception accorded the visiting battleships.