THE COMING FLEET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13725, 15 April 1908, Page 7

THE COMING FLEET.

A GREAT CARNIVAL. I'RECEPTION ARRANGEMENTS. " MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER. Thb Mayor (Mr. A. M. Myers) has convened a 'meeting of citizens to be held at the Council Chambers on Friday, 241 h inst., at. four p.m., when committees will be set lip to draw up a suitable programme for : . the entertainment of the officers and men of the American fleet, which is soon to visit Auckland. A gnat carnival time is expected during, the fleet's stay here. The following telegram was received by Mr" Myers yesterday from the Prime Minis- . -tor (Sir Joseph Ward): ; - In reply to your telegram the Government's programme for entertaining the American fleet, will be considered when Ministers meet together in Wellington next week, and 1 will advise you as to decision when * am in a position to do so. iThe, hearty co-operation of the citizens of Auckland will be very much appreciated by the Government. For your information as to the number of vessels, this has been asked for, and I have been informed that 14 vessels of ■ the fleet are coining, but this is not definite. 1 shall let you have any information I can later." When seen yesterday in regard to the "holding of a. great Maori hui on Victoria Park, .-era! gentlemen spoke in favour of some sort of a native demonstration being held. Mr. C. C. Dacre, who was identified with the great Maori gathering held at Calliope Dock, Devonport, six years ago, considered a similar function would be a great attraction. He said that the attractive aquatic events could not be held on harbour waters., for tile reason that the canoes used on the Waikato at Ngaruawahia : «nly had about three inches of freeboard, and' therefore they could not float in the harbour except in the very smoothest of water. He suggested that the great war canoe in Ghristohurch should be brought up and maimed by Maoris on the harbour as an exhibition spectacle. Mr. J. St. Clair expressed himself in favour of the proposal to give a Maori en-, tertainment, but said the Government would have to be prepared tc make considerable railway concessions in bringing the Maoris here. Otherwise lie would suggest that a monster programme be arranged at Ngaruawahia, at which several thousand native- would take part. The Hon. Mahuta is enthusiastic over the proposal, but admits the difficulty of getting a large number of natives to come to Auckland.' He suggests that the chiefs be communicated with at once, and the importance of the matter placed before them. Re is quite in accord with the desire of 'the people to give the visitors a hearty welcome. HON. J. McGOWAN'S VIEW'S. "A GAY WEEK ASHORE." The Hon. James. McGowan. Minister for Mines and Justice, informed a Herald representative yesterday that whilst it would be an unusual procedure for Parliament to adjourn in order to take part in the welcome to the American fleet, he would be '"'in favour *of 'ft 'being done. It was, how-' ever, a matter for members to decide. Pro- • bably the idea would commend itself to "them.'

In relation to the coming of the fleet, Mr. McGowan thought it was a greet thing to bring the English-speaking peoples together. Possibly the future of the world's history might make it very important that there should be a feeling of fraternity between Great Britain and America. We should do all we could to weld the Eng-lish-speaking peoples together. Their views were in unison, and, were they to act unitedly, they could very nearly police the world, and most likely prevent war. The Minister added that, the arrangements for the reception of the fleet would be discussed at the first meeting of Cabinet. On the subject of the proposed Maori hui, Mr. McGowan remarked that there were numerous difficulties m the way. His idea of a fitting reception to the visitors was to give them " a gay week ashore, and fa?big round of social functions." THE CLAIMS OF AUCKLAND. CHRISTCHURCH PRESS VIEWS. [BY TKLEGRAFH. — OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Christchuech, Tuesday. Vibe Press remarks that the invitation to the American fleet was purely a colonial affair, and it sees no reason why the British Government should be pressed to send a large squadron out to Australia to meet the Americans. "The Australian squadron, as representing the British navy, will of course welcome the visitors, and will, we presume, meet them for that purpose at Auckland. That city we now knowdefinitely will have the honour of representing the whole Dominion. We must admit that Auckland has exceptional claims to the privilege, if only .for the beauty of its harbour, the unlimited accommodation it provides, and its proximity to the ' great show place' of the Dominion. The importance of the visit will, it is assumed, be marked by the adjournment of Parliament for a few days to allow Ministers .and members to take part in the welcome to the fleet. For that week Auckland will be the centre of attraction throughout New Zealand, and we have no doubt that with the assistance of the Government the city will"do credit to itself and to the Dominion."