THE COALING QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13750, 15 May 1908, Page 6

THE COALING QUESTION.

AUCKLAND SUPPLIES , WANTED. By Telegraph.—Pres3 Association.—Copyright. Melbourne, May 14. Mr. Deakin has received official, information that the American fleet will coal at Auckland and Albany. . " OBJECTS PURELY PEACEFUL." , Dr. A. P. Merrill, Vice-Consul-General for the United States, who is visiting Sydney, told a representative of the Sydney Morning Herald that the Commonwealth's invitation to the fleet was very gratifying- to the t United • States, and the visit would heighten the good relations already existing between America and Great Britain and the Commonwealth, It would be a bond between the Powers represented in the Pacific, towards all of whom the United States had the friendliest feelings' The fleet was coming in no aggressive spirit. Its objects were purely peaceful. America's Pacific coastline was so large, her interests so ''great; that she must keep more ships in this ocean than before. One object of the voyage was that the fleet should familiarise itself with the Pacific. It had, of course, to be policed,-and probably some ships would be left behind in the Philippines for that purpose. When the organisation of these islands was complete the United-States intended to give them the power of self-government. America had already territory enough of her own. That part of tho fleet which was to visit Australia would probably consist of about 16 large war vessels, They would most likely call in at Honolulu and Samoa, and then coal at . Auckland be fore going on to .Melbourne and Sydney. They would probably remain in Australia about three weeks, including, first,' 10 days or so at Melbourne, as the seat of government, and then, perhaps the same time in Sydney, After Australia Japan was to be visited, and most likely China as well. Relations ' between the United States and Japan were at present very friendly. It was unlikely that the fleet would go home again by the same route; it might pass through the Suez Canal, or more likely, round the Cape. "One result of'the visit to Australia," added Dr. Merrill, "should be a greatly increased growth in trade between Australian merchants and the Philippines." . v WHAT SYDNEY WILL DO. Commenting on the approaching visit of the fleet, the Sydney Daily Telegraph gays :-—Apart from the delirious round of banquets, balls, picnics, regattas, and sports, gatherings, cricket. and baseball matches, -horse races, garden parties, theatre parties, shooting matches, " boxing contests, fireworks displays, moonlight excursions to fainous beauty spots, and other diversions, the important duty will devolve upon the citizens of seeing that Sydney, the most beautiful city in Australia, shall look her best when Rear-Admiral Sperry brings his ships into the harbour amid the thunder of the saluting guns. Fountains and flower gardens, stately monuments and shady avenues, line " coups d'oeil," and vistas of noble architecture are much to be desired for the permanent beautification of the city. If the Lord Mayor can push on with these works .so that some of. them at least may emerge from the region of .vague aspiration, where they have so long existed, into the more cheerful realm of actuality, he will deserve well of the citizens. For this object the hearty co-opera-tion-of the State Government with the corporation of Sydney may be absolutely essential. It will by no means lessen the pleasure derived • from • the visit of the American fleet if the people of Sydney can see, when the fleet has steamed away, abiding memorials .of that visit hi the shape of permanent improvements to their city. . • . V