AMERICAN FLEET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13778, 17 June 1908, Page 7

AMERICAN FLEET.

CITIZENS' PROGRAMME. GOVERNMENT .SUBSIDY INCREASED. FURTHER SUGGESTION'S. During the past few days the Executive Committee in connection with the welcome to the American fleet has been in communication with the Prime Minister in regard to an increase of the Government subsidy on the amount, subscribed by ' the local bodies towards the cost of carrying out the arrangements. It was pointed out that the local bodies had agreed to provide £3000, but that in view of the large number of men that would require entertaining, I and the cost of arches,, decorations, and other expenditure, a, sum of at least £6000 J would bo required by the Citizens' Com•mittee, irrespective of the £5000 which the Government are proposing to spend. It was further pointed out that, in addition to the sum voted by the local bodies, the citizens had agreed to go to considerable expense in illuminations and decorations, and it was asked that as this was a national affair the Government subsidy of £500 should be increased to one of £ for £, thus bringing up the total amount to the £6000 required. The Mayor (Mr. A. M. Myers) received a telegram from Sir Joseph Ward yesterday afternoon stating that the citizens' programme had been approved, and that the required subsidy would be granted. A meeting of the General Committee, at which the programme will be submitted and any additions considered, will be held in a few days. The One-tree Hill Road Board last evening unanimously decided to contribute its quota towards the expenses ot entertainment of the American lieet. HARBOUR BOARD ARRANGEMENTS. Some necessary work about the wharves in preparation for the visit of the American fleet is being undertaken by the Harbour Board. The requisite clearing up on the -street Wharf is being carried out under the direction of the acting-engineer (Mr. Powell), and. a bridge and pontoon, which will be used as one of the landingstages, is now being fixed in position alongside of the western wall of the new portion of the wharf. Another pontoon and bridge will also be placed at the same side of the wharf, whilst a similar provision will likewise be made at the low-level of the Railway Wharf. A space is being provided by the Board on the site of the new ferry buildings for the platform which will be erected by the Public Works Department for the Prime Minister's reception of the Admiral and officers of the fleet. COMMEMORATIVE TREES. ' A suggestion lias been made that, with a view of commemorating the visit of the fleet in a permanent form, a. circle or group of oaks or other suitable variety of trees, corresponding in number to the battleships of the fleet, bo planted in a. conspicuous part of the Domain during the stay of the visitors in Auckland. Each tree could be named after one of the ships and planted by an officer of that vessel. A name plate could be affixed to the protecting railing breach case, and in course of time, as the trees grew sufficiently large, the plate could be transferred to the trunk itself. THE "WELCOME" FLAGS. Pursuant to the resolution .passed at the meeting of the Parnell Borough Council on Monday evening, the following telegram was sent yesterday afternoon to the Prime Minister by Mr. G. W. Rasley, Mayor of the borough : -«-" Parnell Borough Council thinks contribution of ninety odd pounds by it to American fleet reception fund sufficient tax on resources of borough; much regret that cannot adopt flag suggestion; consider same good for cities and boroughs not present. We, being on spot,' will welcome in person.'' The Prime Minister's message relating to the flags of welcome, came before the Devonport Borough Council last night, and it was unanimously resolved to reply as follows:"The Council has already agreed to contribute a considerable sum towards the entertainment of the fleet, and they consider that the suggested further contribution of a ilag*Br banner is unnecessary.". BOXING AND FOOTBALL. The Auckland Boxing Asscoiatlon held a committee meeting on Monday 'night, and it was resolved thai Messrs. Wilding, and Knyvett be authorised to wait upon the secretary of the American Fleet Reception Committee and make final arrangements in connection with the tournament to bo held lit the Garrison Hall during lite second week in August. It was thought advisable, as boxing is a. favourite sport with the bluejackets of the American fleet, to make efforts to hold two afternoon and two evening tournament.-:, as- otherwise it would be impossible lor many to see the sport, and disappointment would naturally arise. With a view to guarding against such a contingency, it was suggested that if the hi... Hall could be seemed for two days, the Auckland provincial diampionships might be fixed for those cates, and the championship events, if interspersed with matches between members of the fleet, would provide four entertainments, which would bo greatly appreciated by the visitors in the event ol bad weather putting a stop to outdoor sports and visits to the suburbs. The executive of. the Auckland Wednesday Rugby football Union at their meeting lust evening decided to wait upon the secretary of the Entertainment Committee, with a view to arranging a match with a team from the American fleet.