AMERICANS IN THE PACIFIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11275, 19 January 1900, Page 3 (Supplement)

AMERICANS IN THE PACIFIC.

A FRATERNAL GATHERING IN AUCKLAND. ENTERTAINMENT TO AMERICAN OFFICERS. At the invitation of Mr. J. 11. Witheford, who has always taken a deep interest in the trade relations between America and New Zealand, Commander Tilley and the officers of tho United States transport Abarenda, now in Auckland Harbour, met the members of the Auckland Harboui Board at lunch on Saturday, January 13, and afterwnvds spent the afternoon at Mr. WithefordTa residence at Northcote, where dinner was served before the party broke up. The Abareiidn is the first American Government ship that has visited Auckland since the recent development nf America's new trade relations in the Pacific, and Mr. Witheford thought the occasion a fitting one to show hospitality to the visitors, so that the friendly relations existing between America and New Zealand might be suitably emphasised, and altentinn called to the opportunities for trade relations between the two countries. The idea was -i happy one, and was splendidly curried oiit. the American visitors, as well as the members of the Harbour Hoard, spending a most enjoyable afternoon and evening, to their mutual advantage and satisfaction. The party were first entertained to lunch at the Star Hotel,

After lunch, Mr. Witheford proposed "The Health of Commander Tilley." He said the lust time the members of the Harbour Hoard met on an occasion of that nature, was when they were so handsomely and hospitably entertained by their chairman, Mr. Xapier, to do honour to a most distinguished FiHisli gentleman, His Excellency the Governor, on the occasion of a visit to Calliope Dock. On this occasion they were met to do honour to one of the commanders of the American navy, who had distinguished himself in the service of his country, having, during the time of the Spanish war, taken a large number of prizes, many of them from under the cuns of the Spanish forts. Commander Tilley, in responding, said he had to admit that six months ago. although he knew there weie several islands in this vicinity forming the colony of Xew Zealand, lie knew very little of its resources, or of its people. Last September, while he was on duly with the Abarenda, in Pago Pago, it was found necessary to have some piles and heavy timber for :iie completion of the Government work there. He was directed by the secretary of the navy, to proceed to any port which he (Commander Tilley) might choose, to procure theße articles, and. after investigation, he decided to come to Auckland, where he had been able to obtain everything that he requited at fair prices and of the quality. He had also been r.ble to dock and repair his ship for a very reasonable sum. Through the gre'it cnurtrsy of the Auckland Harbour Board he whs allowed the use of the splendid Calliope Dock free of cost, and he wanted specially to thank the members of the Harbour Board for all the courtesies he had received. But thai was not all. They. the officers of the Abarenda, had 1 fciind here a kindred people—brothers, who had received them with a spirit of brotherly love, which had touched their hearts. Courtesies and attentions had been showered upon them ; the "Stars and Stripes" had been cheered in every awembly and at every gathering, and they felt that they were indeed at home. The people of the' United States and the people of New Zealand, born of the same mother, had grown up amidst the same conditions. ,-ind under .'ike circumstances. Both countries in their early history had been obliged to struggle with and overcome a fierce and warlike race, which for a time threatened their very existence. After this first stage, each had. by firm determination, high resolve and hik'li character, progressed until they now stood in the very vanguard of civilisation. In reaching this condition, so satisfactory to this generation, they must not forget what they owed to their forefathers, the pilgrims and early settlers of both countries The heritage of their high character, the memory of their endurance in tho eaily stni"''les, and of their courage amidst difficulties and dancers, came down to the present generation as the most precious of all legacies. So the people of the United States and of New Zealand had much in comimn, and it was no wonder that their hearts beat together in sympathy upon the great questions now agitating both countries. A Southern darkey was once asked why he loved his mother, and he replied, "I hibs my mudder < nz s*" borned me.' , so they all loved Kngland, their Mother Country, although they of the United Stales ran away from home long ago. The mother had been kinder u> the vounger children, and they had remained at home, and to-dnv they were showing their affection and devotion bv giving their means and their lives to uphold the honour and the prestige of the parent, (Applause.) With hearts beating in unison today, he believed thiit some day England and America, would join hand to hand, and as one people, speaking the same language, having the same common heritage in the memory nf the glorious deeds nf their ancestors, and the same high resolvs, they would together form such a power that the "kingdoms of the world shall not prevail against us." (Applause.) On leaving the Star Hotel the whole patty proceeded in carriages to the wharf. The steamer Admiral lay in readiness, suitably decorated, and an orchestra of 12 musicians under the ennductorship of Mr. A. Eady. provided excellent music while crossin? the harbour. On arriving at Northcote Wharf, the line of carriages reached from the end of the wharf to some distance tip tho road, eliciting humorous remarks as to the probable effect on the members of the Board in regard to the question of vehicular traffic now before the Harbour Board.

At hnlf-piu-t six o'clock dinner was served at Mr. WiMipford's house, the chair being occupied hv Mr. Witheforci, and the vicechair hy Mr. Napier.

The Premier wired tho American Consul on Jan. 16 as follows:—"I exceedingly regret that owing to present emergency no member of the Ministry was in Auckland since the arrival of the Abarcnda. It was only to-day I learned by telegram from Mr. Hamer of the position of affairs, and that her officers were making minifies as to the resources of the colony. Please convey a cordial welcome to New Zealand. Any information desired will he cheerfully supplied. Instructions have been piven various Government officers in Auckland to assist in every wav.and railway passes will be at their disposal." Mr. Dillinghnm, the Consul, on behalf of the officers, irknowkdgcd the receipt of the message, and thanked the Premier for his welcome and tho courtesies extended.