AMERICAN BATTLESHIP FLEET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14245, 20 June 1908, Page 10

AMERICAN BATTLESHIP FLEET.

o PROJECTKD HACK MEETING. (Pxr Uxitkd Press Association.) | AUCKLAND, June 19. The Mayor (Mr A. M. Myers) lias received the following reply from Sir George Clifford, president of the New Zealand Racing Conference, with respect, to the telegram concerning i.ho requested permission for a race meeting to be held at Kllerslio on August 12 in connection with the visit of the American fleet:—" Your telegram seemed to imply the necessity for my consent, to hold the race meeting. Dill I have no power to'give or withhold consent, otherwise I would gladly consent. If you consider a meeting advisable, T would advise you to keep going straight, ahead with the preparations, relying upon the sanction of I.lm Rneinir Conference under the exceptional circumstances. The conference mock on July 23." At the meeting of- the Incentive Committee this morning much gratification was expressed at the reply. It was decided that arrangements he accordingly put in hand. A conference has been arranged to lake place oii Monday next, between the committee and the presidents of Ihe Auckland Racing and Takapnna and Avondale Jcckey Clubs. THE WEEK'S FKOCRAMMK. A meeting of the Elect Reception Committee was held this afternoon, and there was a very large attendance. Mr Myers, in opening the proceeding*, said the Government had arranged to subsidise the local contributions so that there would now lie £6000 availabls. The committee felt that with this sum it would be able to make the weloome a fitting one and well worthy of the- occasion. The programme in detail from the arrival of the fleet on Sunday, August 9, was submitted by (he Executive ComitiM-tee as follows:— Sunday.—Fleet arrives and takes up its mooring? No public display, but official visits to be arranged. Monday Morning—Official reception by the Prime Minister; procession to Drill Hall, whero the visitors will be accorded a civic 'reception. The principal officers lunch with the Mayor. The remainder of the officers of the landing party to lunch at, the Northern and Auckland Clubs. Afternoon: Military review. Evening: Official Government banquet at the Drill Hall to about 700 guests, tendered to tho Admiral and officers of tho fleet. Fireworks display, with searchlights and illuminations of tho American and Australian squadron. Tuesday Morning.—Land 1000 men. Tram trips and lunch. Men return to the ships after lunch. Afternoon: Reception by the Mayor and : Mayoress at the Drill Hall to the guests, visitors, and citizens of Auckland. Entertainment for men to bo arranged. Evening: Governor's State ball at Government louse. Smoke concerts for men at various halls Wednesday.—Race meeting Ellerslie. Failing this, football matches. Admiral, officers, and Prime Minister, and guests leave at 3 p.m. for Rotorua. Evening: Sports and entertainments .as pbr programme to be arranged. Thursday Morning.—Land 1000 men, Tram trips and lunch. Afternoon: Landl 2500 men for matinees at, theatres. Evening: Land 1000 men for (-ports' and entertainments. Savage Club entertains officers. Friday.—Day's racing a.t Takapnna. Failing this, football match at Alexandra Park, Citizens v. Fleet, or lacrcwe 'or baseball matches. Evening: British Medical Association entertains surgeons of fleet. So.lm-.day— Football match, Auckland v. Wellington.