FLEET PREPARATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13813, 28 July 1908, Page 6

FLEET PREPARATIONS.

THE FINAL TOUCHES. , SPECTACLE IN THE HARBOUR. The last touches are now being put on the local preparations for the reception of the American fleet, arid little now remains to be done except cany out the details. Yesterday the Government Fleet Commissioners, Messrs. Donne and Homer, removed from Customs-street, to more centrally-situated quarters- in City Chambers, Queen-street. The Commissioners' new offices are convenient and well adapted for the purpose. On the floor above is situated a large pressroom, well fitted up, and handy to the Commissioners' office.

The secretary of the fleet executive (Mr. H. G. Palethorpe) stated yesterday that one of the most brilliant functions of Fleet Week will be the race meeting at Ellerslie on the Wednesday. This will be attended by the admiral of the American squadron and the admiral of the Australasian squadron, and their suites, His Excellency the Governor and suite, the officers of both fleets, the Prime Minister, members of the Cabinet, members of both Houses of Parliament, and a large number of official personages and citizens.

Special arrangements have been made by the hospital authorities to deal with any accidents or casualties that may occur during Fleet Week, and a number of beds will be set apart. The' St. John Ambulance Association is also making ■ preparations. Several stations, with litters and attendants, will be distributed in different parts of the city during Fleet Week in readiness for emergencies. A meeting of the association will be held on Friday, to arrange the details.

Commander Pettier bridge, who has come over on behalf of the Commonwealth to interview Admiral Sperry in Auckland, and submit the Sydney and Melbourne proposals to him, had a conference with Mr. T. E. Donne, the Government Fleet Commissioner, yesterday. It has already been shown in these columns that there will be ample accommodation in the Waitemata Harbour tor a fleet three times the size of the one that is coming, but the spectacle of the battleships on Sunday week, after the fleet comes to anchor, will make the landsman think there is hardly room for airy more. First and foremost, come the sixteen battleships of the American fleetan imposing display. The craft attendant on the fleet include colliers and provision ships, about ten more. Then there is the Australasian squadron flagship, and, probably, two of her consorts. With these, and the trading and other vessels, there will be not less than between ,40 and 50 ships anchored in the harbour. But in the Waitemata there is plenty of room for them all. Persons in authority, and those who have special business in connection with the visit of the fleet, will be distinguished by badges, which have been decided upon by the Fleet Executive Comniitteo, and subcommittees will wear a badge consisting of two silver, crossed flags, with a red, white, and blue ribbon. Pressmen will also display the emblem of the crossed flags, but the ribbon will bo red with the word '• Press" on it. The Health Department will have four extra men on duty jn Auckland during Fleet Week, and they will wear the crossed flags and a yellow ribbon. The Mayor of Dunedjn has received a letter from the Prime Minister regretting that he cannot see his way to ' have the Dunedin Pipe Band sent to Auckland to take part in the American fleet celebrations. Invitation cards have been issued for a trio of functions during Fleet Weekthe State ball at Government House, the official i reception, and the "At Home" to be tendered by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Myers).

ONEHUNGA .STANDS OUT. Two petitions were submitted to the Onehunga Borough Council 'last evening, one signed by 46 residents requesting the Council to reconsider its decision in de- ( clining to subscribe the required £55 in connection with the entertainment of the American fleet, and the other, more numerously signed, expressing the hope that the Council would adhere to its resolution. After the suspension of the standing orders Mr. Holmes moved, and Mr. Pardington seconded, "That the former resolution be rescinded, and the Onehunga Borough Council vote £55 towards the cost of entertaining the American fleet." Mr. Moody moved as an amendment, and Mr. Glanfield seconded, " That the previous resolution be adhered to." The mover considered that the Government ought to provide the necessary monev for entertaining the visitors. If the petitioners in favour of advancing the £55 would each subscribe one guinea, he (Mr. Moody) would do the same. On a division being taken, Messrs. Skinner, Moody, Glanfield, Stoupe, and Colledge voted for the amendment, while Messrs. Holmes and Pardington declared in favour of advancing the £55. The Mayor (Mr. John Rowe) and Messrs. Whyte and Morton were unavoidably absent.

PARLIAMENTARY TRIP. RAILWAY NEARLY FINISHED. [BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Monday. The gap between- the railheads on the Main Trunk railway is daily getting shorter. ft has now been reduced to about a mile and a-half, the actual distance on Saturday being a mile and 50 chains. The Manganuiateo viaduct— last bridge should be finished in about a week, and if the weather is at all favourable it is antici- . pated that the train conveying the Parliamentary party to the fleet festivities will be able to run right through from Wellington to Auckland at the end' of next week. Some ballasting will be required after a'l the rails are down, and the completion of the viaduct will facilitate this work. THE GOVERNOR'S ARRANGEMENTS. [BY TELEGRAM!.PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Monday. The Governor will leave Napier for Auckland on Wednesday, in order to be present at the fleet festivities.