THE AMERICAN FLEET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13779, 18 June 1908, Page 5

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

COMMITTEE AT WORK.

DECORATIONS AND ILLUMINATIONS

A meeting of the Executive Committee in connection with the visit of the American fleet was held yesterday morning, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. J A. M. Myers). Mr. T. E. Donne (Govern- ! ment Commissioner) was also present. : The Mayor stated that he had received a telegram from the Prime Minister, intimating that the required increase of subsidy ■ had been granted, the total amount available for expenditure being now £6000. . ' f Various suggestions for the extension of the programme in different directions were made, including a more elaborate scheme of decoration and illumination than was previously considered possible. A meeting of the General Committee will be held at the Council Chamber at 4 o'clock to-morrow afternoon, when the programme drawn up by the Executive Committee will be submitted for approval. The executive has found it necessary to meet daily, in view of the large amount of work that requires to be done. The preparations for the'' decorations are being rapidly pushed forward. Mr. Pearson, who has been acting as landscape gardener to the Government at Rotonia, and who has been appointed to a similar position by the Auckland City Council, will arrive in town to-night. He has already made arrangements at Rotorua for forwarding a truck-load of vegetation suitable for use in connection with the decorations. It is proposed to have the whole of Queen-street, from the wharf to Karangahape Road, decorated, in deference to the wishes of the Newton shop-keepers. It is expected that the latter will also decorate and illuminate their premises. It is further intended to have bands playing in Karangahape Road as well as Queenstreet and this, will materially assist in preventing an undue congestion of people in the heart of the city. The committee is making arrangements for an ample supply of bunting and greenery. The Mayor is asking all tradespeople and residents in the principal thoroughfares to decorate their premises during the stay of the fleet. The city engineer (Mr. W. E. Bush) has completed the designs for the. arches to be erected in Lower Queen-street, opposite the entrance to the railway station and opposite the Drill' Hall in Wellcsleystreet East. The former will be provided with electric light, illuminations, whilst gas illuminations will be used in connection with the latter. Mr. Donne received a telegram from Mr. Haiuer last- evening stating that the Government- would forward to Auckland foi usein' connection with the decorations and illuminations, 2120 nags, 2133 electric lamps. and the electric light equipment which was used on the public buildings in Wellington on the evening of Dominion Day last year. This material includes a large ma]) of New Zealand picked out in electric lights. " It is intended to illuminate the Auckland Government buildings and post office, and Mr. Riechd, the Government electrician, will come up to supervise the arrangements. PROPOSED RACE MEETING. The Mayor lias riot yet received a- reply from Sir Geo. Clifford, chairman of the New Zealand Racing Conference, in'respect to the proposed race meeting at Ellerslie on August 12. .Sir George has been travelling during the past few days, and this possibly accounts for the delay." s THE AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON. The Prime Minister has informed Mr. Donne that Admiral Pooro, of the Australian squadron, will arrive in Auckland on H.M.S. Powerful on July 30, and that he will leave this port for Sydney on Thursday, August 13, two days before the departure of the American fleet. The vessels ox the squadron which will be in Auckland during the American fleet's visit will comprise the Powerful, Encounter and Pioneer. On his departure for Australia- Admiral Poore will leave the Encounter in Auckland for the remainder of the visit of the American fleet in Auckland. THE MILITARY REVIEW. [BY. TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Wednesday. Mr. T. 11. Humor, one of the Governi ment Commissioners in connection with the ; visit of the American fleet, had a confer- '■ ence this morning with Colonels Robin and Collins, of the Council of Defence, relative to the holding of a military review in Auckland on the day the warships arrive. All | the volunteer, permanent, and cadet force* in the provincial district will, bo assembled, and if the weather is favourable the review will be an imposing one. In a telegram received yesterday by Mr. Donne from Mr. Hamer, it was stated that 20,000 men would take part in the military parade. FLAG FROM DANNEVIEKE. [BY TELEUIUIVUL=p=»PRKSS ASSOCIATION.] Dannkvirkk, Wednesday. Notwithstanding the fact that the Borough Council has refused to defray the cost of a Hag to send to Auckland on the occasion of the American fleet's visit, a Hag will bo sent. The Daily Press has opened a subscription list, and the matter is being warmly taken up. 'The school children, who were appropriately addressed by Dr. McKay yesterday, are bringing in contributions.