VISIT OF THE FLEET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13767, 4 June 1908, Page 5

VISIT OF THE FLEET.

AUSTRALIA'S ENTHUSIASM.

HOME PAPER'S SUGGESTION

By Telegraph— Association.—

London, June 2. The Daily Mail attributes Australia's enthusiasm regarding the approaching visit of the American fleet to the belief that the navy affords a force capable of protecting Australia. It reminds the Commonwealth that it is impossible for the British navy to be strong at all points unless it receives greater support from the States of the Empire. The Mail also suggests, if it be possible to spare the ships from the European stations, the serving to Australia and the other great colonies'during 1909 of a powerful fleet of modern armourclads, including the Indomitable and her sister ships.

AUCKLAND'S WELCOME. GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONERS ARRIVE. Messrs, T. E. Donne and T. H. Earner, tht commissioners appointed by the Government to co-operate with the Auckland.reception committee in arranging the programme of welcome to the American fleet, arrived in Auckland from Wellington yesterday, and will stay at the Grand Hotel while" in the city.. They have an appointment with His Excellency the Governor for this morning, when the details of the Government programme will be laid before Lord Plunket. Afterwards a conference will take place between the commissioners and the Mayor, Mr. A. M. Myers, on the same subject. Until these meetings have been held the Government representative-) are naturally reticent regarding the programme. Mr. Donne stated, however, that the visit to Auckland is for the purpose- of laying the Government proposals before the committee, and of taking whatever action is necessary to cany them out. " If the local committee asks us for any expression of opinion," said Mr. Donne, "we shall be very glad to give it." He added that the commissioners had practically a free hand regarding arrangements, and would work in connection with the reception committee. _ • Messrs. Donne and Ha.ni.er will be in Auckland for several days.

ONEHUNGA STANDS OUT. A special meeting of the Onelumga Borough Council -was held at the Council Chamber last evening, when there were present: Messrs. John Rowe (Mayor), G. Moody. A. »S. Holme!?. W. Morton, sen., W. Colkdge, S. R. Skinner, T. H. Pardington, J. Stotipe-, and J. Glanheld. The Mayor stated thai the meeting had been called for the purpose of considering the proposal that Onelumga should contribute the sum of £55 allocated as its share of the, cost of entertaining the American fleet. After considerable discussion it was moved. by Mr. Holmes and seconded by Mr. Pardington, '' That the Onelumga Borough Council contribute the sum of £55 towards the cost of entertaining the fleet." '.'•''"

Mr. Moody moved as an amendment, and Mr. Skinner seconded, " That, owing to the large amount of expenditure undertaken for; the coming year by the Onehunga Borough* Council, it regrets that it cannot see it's way clear to contribute towards the cost of entertaining the fleet."

On a division being taken the amend ment was carried by six votes to three.

. ARCHHILLS CONTRIBUTION.

At, the last meeting of the Arehhill Road Board a letter was received stating that the Government- intended passing an Indemnity Act, so that local bodies could donate funds towards the reception of the American fleet. It was resolved, if that course were followed, to pay the amount allocated; viz., £17.

THE FLAGSHIP POWERFUL. By Telegraph.— Association.— Sydney, June 3. H.M.B. Powerful, the flagship of the' Australian Station, with Admiral Sir Richard Poore aboaid, will arrive in Auckland on July 13 to await the coming of the American battles-hip squadron.