THE AMERICAN FLEET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13781, 20 June 1908, Page 6

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

AUCKLAND PREPARATIONS. COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME ADOPTED BY CITIZENS' COMMITTEE. A meeting, of the Reception Committee was held at .the City Council Chambers yesterday afternoon. The Mayor (Mr. A. M. Myers) presided, and there was a very large attendance. In opening the proceedings, the Mayor said tho Executive Committee, in .accordance with instructions, had communicated with the Government in respect to finance, and the Government had arranged to subsidise the local contributions, so that there would now be £6000 available. (Applause.) The committee felt that with this sum it would be able to make the welcome a fitting one, and well worthy of the occasion. He desired to especially thank the Government Commissioners. Messrs. Hamer and Donne, for their assistance in procuring the Government subsidy. (Applause.) The Mayor went on to detail the negotiations over the proposed race meeting, and said it wasevident from Sir George Clifford's reply that it was possible now to hold a race meeting, and a conference of the Auckland, Takapuna', and Avondale Racing Clubs would be held next week. After outlining the programme for Fleet' Week as set forth in another part of this issue, the Mayor went on to say it was also proposed, if tho weather was suitable, to have aquatic events on the harbour, and there was a proposal that one day should be set aside for school children to visit the vessel*. He had written to the Admiral in this connection. It was suggested that a partv of officers should visit Motutapu for deer stalking. Facilities would be provided for those wishing to play golf or tennis. Bands would be . playing in Queen-street and Karangahape Road in the evenings. A souvenir guide, containing programme, views of Auckland, etc., would bo presented to each man-of-warsman of tho American and Australasian ships. It was proposed to illuminate North Shore, front. Quay-street, and Queen-street. Mr. Wyllio, the electrical engineer, had submitted a programme. There would be an arch opposite the railway station, and one at the Military Hall. A bureau would bo provided for the exchange of money, and containing reading and writing rooms, etc. Athletic contests, such as boxing matches, etc., were proposed to be provided, a sum of money to be set aside for prizes. The Inspector, of Police had been approached, and was endeavouring to get 80 extra constables, 20 of them to be mounted men. The Automobile Association had kindly placed cars at the disposal of the committee for use in making short trips around the city and suburbs. The Government was proclaiming the Monday and Wednesday public holidays. A land signal would be provided and connected with the telephone exchange, so that those desiring to communicate with the vessels could do so. Boxing, football, and aquatic contests and lacrosse matches between a combined Auckland and Wellington team and a team from the fleet, were also proposed. DECORATIONS AND ILLUMINATIONS. In Queen-street and Karangahape Road the proposals for decoration of shop fronts, etc., and illuminations in the evening, had been taken up most enthusiastically, and he believed there would bo a display both of decorations and illuminations that would be a credit to Auckland. He had been informed that a number of firms intended going to very liberal expenditure, and, in fact, he did not know of.any firm in Queen-street that was nob doing something. ' Mr. Wyllie proposed to illuminate Quay-street with 10 arc lamps, each of 2000 candle-power, capable of lighting' 440 yds distance. In Quceustreet there would be 18, arc lamps, each of 2000 candle-power, between Wellesleystreet and the wharf. There would be an arch in Queen-street at the entrance to the railway station, 50ft high, and with a span of 70ft. It was proposed to light .this with two illuminated flags, the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes, 7ft by 4ft each, with 600 small glow lamps in each, flashing lights to give a wavy appearance to tho flags, and there would be about 550 more glow lights outlining the structure in different colours. The Government, he added, was sending up 2120 flags and 2130 electric lamps and equipment used in connection with celebrations on Dominion Day at .Wellington, including a man of New Zealand picked out in electric, light.

PRESENTATION TO THE ADMIRAL.

The Mayor also read a- description of the suggested design for a portfolio to be presented to the Admiral of the fleet by the citizens-of Auckland. The design is native foliage in inlaid woods. In one corner is displayed the clematis, - and in j another the red kowhai; below is the yellow kowhai, and in the other corner the tea-tree, the whole of the foliage being in tho true colours of' the various native plants. In tho centre is a largo silver plate, displaying a view of Auckland Harbour, with North Head in the distance, and a smaller plate beneath bears the presentation inscription. Tho American Eagle, supported by the flag of the United States, is worked out in gold at the top, and corresponding, below, i 3 the Ci'ty of Auckland coat of arms in gold. Each corner is embellished with silver ribbon bows, the whole going to make a most beautiful and appropriate presentation. THE PROPOSALS ADOPTED. Mr. Myers went on to say that the Executive . Committee believed that the carrying out of that programme would commend itself to the General Committee. He moved that the programme submitted be adopted, and that the Executive Committee be empowered to carry it out, and to incur the "necessary expense. In reply to Mr. Glover, tho Mayor said the Admiral had been communicated with in order to ascertain how many men could be allowed to land each day. Mr. J. Kirker : The committee does not contemplate any more than 1500 men be- i ing ashore at one time, or more than 1000 during the evenings. Mr. J. H. Up lon seconded tho motion, and remarked that he thought the kowhai was not a native of New Zealand, but of Honolulu. It would bo hotter to have rata, or something purely native, on the portfolio. Mr. L. J. Bagnall : The yellow kowhai is a native. In reply to Mr. Glover, tho Mayor said boardinghpuse-keepers and others having accommodation had been invited to send particulars to the secretary. There could be no doubt that accommodation would bo taxed to the utmost. Numerous replies had been received. It was not to be hoped that when the population was suddenly increased by many thousands everyone would bo quite comfortable, but still the best possible would be done. Nothing would be wanting on the part of the _ executive to seo that every. detail was canned out properly. Subcommittees would be appointed, and he thought the appointment of them should be left to the Executive Committee. The Harbour Board, it was proposed, should undertake the landing and arrange for the decoration and illumination of shipping, etc., and the City Council would undertake, in conjunction with the Government representatives, the decorating, and illumination of the city. There would require to be numerous committees for athletic fixtures, lunches, etc. The motion for adoption of the programme was carried unanimously, and it was also agreed that the Executive Committee should appoint sub-committees. . COMMITTEE WORK. The Mayor proposed that Dr. Tracy Inglis, Dr. McDowell, Mr. W. B. Leyland, and Mr. J. W. Tibbs be added to The General Committee, and this was agreed to. Mr. Upton suggested that the Rev. Canon Mac Murray should also be elected, and Mr. Rees George suggested the Rev. W. Beattv. Mr. C. H. Poole, M.P., thought a clergyman from each denomination should he added to the committee.

After some discussion it was agreed to write the Rev. Canon Mac Murray, the Rev. W. Beatty, Rabbi Goldstein, and the chaplains of forces in the Auckland garrison to join the General Committee. Mr. P. J. Nerheny wished the names of Mayors of boroughs and chairmen of road boards added to the executive.

The Mayor: The Executive Committee consists of five, and I don't think it advisable to enlarge it. (Hear, hear.) The executive has to meet every morning, and a small committee is better than a large one. Besides, it would mean going over the whole work again. , Mr. Nerheny thought that as the road board's and borough councils had to l 'pay the piper" they should be represented on the executive. "it was said outside that the executive was too small. Mr. Rees Georgo thought the executive had carried out its duties in a manner that reflected every credit upon it. (Hear, hear.) Mr.' Nerheny moved, "That the executive bo increased to eight, and that the names of the Mayors of Grey Lynn, Parnell. and Newmarket bo added." Mr. A. E. Glover seconded the motion. Mr. G. Savers (Mayor of Uroy Lynn) said be felt he was voicing the feeling of the local bodies in saying they were perfectly satisfied with the executive as it was. (Applause ) The representatives of those bodies could find plenty to do on the sub-coui-mittees!' The Mayors of Parnell and Newmarket expressed similar views, and Mr. Nerheny withdrew his motion. . Mr A. J Entrican: Has the question of Gndiu" shelter for men who may miss steamer." and not bo able to get back to their ships been thought of? The Mayor: Accommodation will ho provided in one of the wharf sheds. THE FIREWORKS. A SPLENDID DISPLAY. The following is the programme suggested by the Executive C'ommitee for the display of fireworks at the Railway Wharf on the Monday night: — Eoval salute, 21 aerial guns. Illuminations by 10 masses of coloured fire. Ascent of 20 rockets, with brilliant and cometic fires. Batter; of 50 brilliant Roman candles. Ascent of 20 rockets, with stars of various colours. Discharge of live 6in shells, with brilliant stars, and five with variegated stars, 'and three repeating shells. Discharge of four saucissons, representing nests of rattlesnakes. Battery of 50 electric Roman candles. Ascent of 20 coloured rockets. Ascent of 10 rockets, with festoons of Crown jewels. Discharge of five 6ih bright shells, and five with orange and purple stars. Ascent and explosion of four cracker mines. Battery of 100 coloured Roman candles, displaying red, white, and blue stars. Discharge of five Sin shells with assorted colours. Second illumination by 10 masses of coloured lire. Discharge of three 6in shells of golden rain, and 10 with red, green, and amber stars, three repeating shells. Tscent of 40 coloured rockets and five large dragon flv rockets. Ascent of five large shooting star rockets. Ascent of six saucissons, representing , jewel-headed cobras. Ascent of 20 rockets with silver rain and wheat sheaves. Ascent of 10 rockets with various combinations of colours. Ascent of 30 rockets with assorted colours, wheat sheaves, etc. Discharge of 15 6in shells, assorted colours and four repealing shells. Discharge of 10 Sin shells, emitting stars of every known combination and effect. Ascent of 40 rockets with peacock's plumes. Discharge, of three Bin repeating Coronation shells. Explosion of 10 mines of serpents. Ascent of 10 rockets with festoons of Crown iewels. Discharge of four Bin repeating Coronation shells. Flight of 100 large rockets, forming an aerial bouquet of national colours.

THE HARBOUR BOARD. PROPOSED ADDRESS TO THE ADMIRAL. The question of the harbour arrangements in connection with the reception of the fleet was mentioned at yesterday's meeting of the Harbour Board in committee. Mr. W. J. Napier moved that tiro matter be referred to the Standing Committee, with the addition of Messrs. Basley, Bradney, and the mover, to report to the Board in committee. He thought the Harbour Board should tako some part in tho reception by presenting an address to tho Admiral on the wharf, or something'of the kind. Mr. A. J. Entrican urged that the City Council should bo at once approached with regard to securing electric power for lighting, as there would be a- great demand on the. service. Mr. Wyllie, he understood, was reserving some power for the Board's display. The motion was carried, with the addition that the engineer should report on the illuminating plant of the Board and the lighting etc. The proposed illuminations and decorations of the Board's building have been planned on an extensive scale, and were shown at the meeting. The plan provides for the lavish decoration of tho front of tho building from the ground to the roof with flags, greenery, etc.. while on the ground floor will be depicted large portraits of His Majesty the King and President Roosevelt. Another picture depicts a British-American greeting, and this occupies a position over the main door. THE SAILORS' HOME. At a meeting of the Sailors* Home Council last evening it was proposed that a sum not exceeding £12 be expended in tho decoration of the home during the visit of tho American fleet. Members expressed surprise at the smallncss of the amount recommended, but it was explained that this amount was to bo expended in the purchase of a complete set of signal flags. The social side of the visit, such as entertaining the sailors of the fleet would ho quite apart from this proposaL It.was also decided that the president and vice-president wait on tile Mayor in reference to electric light illuminations at tho home during the fleet's visit. FLAG FROM BIRKENHEAD. The Birkenhead Borough Council received a. telegram from the Prime Minister, on Thursday, asking if the Council would be willing to donate a flag in connection with the welcome to the fleet. The Council considered that they had already drawn upon the funds of the borough to the fullest extent, and while approving of the suggestion, felt that they could not make any further demands upon the funds. Tho members decided to donate a flag at their own expense. THE VETERANS' ASSOCIATION. The merabers of the Empire Veterans' i Association have arranged, through Major Morrow, for the use of a steamer on one day during fleet week for the purpose of a nautical parade in honour of the fleet, a meeting of the Veterans' Committee will be held I on Wednesday at the Drill Hall for the purpose of making arrangements for the military review. It is proposed to tender a smoko concert to the warrant and petty officers, and men with three years' service. THE DECORATIONS. Mr. Pearson, who has just been appointed landscape gardener to the City Council, has arrived from Rotorua, and has ".entered upon the preliminary work in connection with the preparations of the decorations for the arches-., which are to be erected in .Lower Queen-street and opposite the Drill Hall. PROPOSED NARCISSUS SHOW At the monthly meeting of the < 0111mitteo of the Auckland Horticultural

Society the secretary of the Fleet Committee wrote, suggesting that an exhibition of narcissus should be held during fleet week. The suggestion was not adopted, mainly upon the ground that a show held at a wry early date would not reflect credit upon the city or the society.

GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONER. [BY telegraph.— correspondent.] Wellington, Friday. ■ Mr. T. H. Hamer, ono of the commissioners appointed by tho Government to arrange the reception to the American fleet, leaves lor Auckland again to-morrow. THE PARLIAMENTARY VISIT. MAIN TRUNK TRIP. fisY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Friday. In connection with the proposal of the Prime Minister to cany the Parliamentary party to Auckland on the occasion of the American fleet's visit by the North Island Main Trunk railway, in about 24 liQurs' continuous travelling, a member of Parliament who knows the line well told a press representative that he thought the idea was. absurd. The proposal was to start about 10 o'clock in the morning from Wellington. That meant that they would reach the Rua-pehu-Waimarino country well after dark. August is the middle of winter there. Some few miles, at any rate, will have to be traversed on rails which are merely spiked down on to the sleepers, with no ballast. What speed, he asked, could bo attained with safety over such a course, and if, as was suggested, some distance might have to be covered on foot, what kind of performance would that be lor the women of the party at that time of the year? For his own part, ho said he would go to Auckland by another route. He suggested that instead of the Parliamentary party starting at 10 o'clock in tho morning, they should start about 10 o'clock at night, and go over the worst and most picturesque part of the route by daylight. THE FLEET ITINERARY. Mr. T. ,E. Donne, Government Commissioner, has been advised of the following official itinerary of the fleet: — Leave San Francisco, July 7. Honolulu, July 16 to 23. Auckland, August 9 to 15. Svdnev, August 20 to 27. Melbourne, August 29 to September o. Albany. September 11 to 17. Philippines, October 1 to 10. Yokohama, October 17 to 24.