PRIME MINISTER PLEASED. MESSAGES OF CONGRATULATION. PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S THANKS

Otago Witness, Issue 2840, 19 August 1908, Page 31

PRIME MINISTER PLEASED.

MESSAGES OF CONGRATULATION.

PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S THANKS

AUCKLAND, August 14. "I do not know that anything could hare been better carried out or designed/ said the Prime Minister this evening on being asked for his opinion as to the arrangements and festivities in connection with "fleet week." " The whole of the programme has been admirably handled from beginning to^ end. When one considers the large number of people who landed from the fleet, and the fact that only five full days have been available for carrying through' the comprehensive programme, the result is to my mind creditable beyond expression. There has not been a"miscarriage of any single arrangement,"' Regarding the Rotorua visit, Sir Joseph remarked tftat the AdmiraT had said that he had seen war dances, etc. , performed by Indians and several «-ther native races, but he had never seen anything- to approach those of the Maoris of Rotorua for gracefulness and impressiveness.

AUCKLAND, August 14, The Mayor (Mr A. M. Myers), -in a letter to the United States Consul-general, conveys congratulations upon the order, good conduct, and sobriety of the thousands of men ashore from the fleet during the week. He says that the behaviour of the men was most exemplary, and reflects the highest credit on the fleet.

Admiral Poore writes to the Mayor expressing the grateful thanks of the officers and men for Auckland's generous hospitality. He pays a sincere tribute to the arrangements made, and assures the committee that the celebration will long be remembered with great pleasure.

NEW YORK, August 14. Admiral Sporry has cabled to President Hoosevelt as follows : " The New Zealand Government and people accorded the fleet a most enthusiastic reception." Hhe- also stated that Sir J. Ward had presented him. with a beautiful token for President Roosevelt, with an invitation, to visit the Dominion.

President Roosevelt cabled to Admiral Sperry as follows: — "Greatly pleased with your telegram ; convey to Sir J. G. Ward my hearty thanks, and express the sincere regard, friendship, and admiration which the people of the United" States entertain for the people of New Zealand. Extend my congratnlations to the fleet."