OFFICIAL CONGRATULATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 26 August 1908, Page 30

OFFICIAL CONGRATULATIONS.

A CSTE ALIASS OBJECT-LESSON, SYDNEY, August 21. Lord Xort-hcote, in addressing Admiral Sperry, congratulated him. on his eafd arrival, and said he fully appreciated the skill and seamanship which enabled him to bring the fleet through so many thousand lea - guee of sea. Australia also appre«

Heated' the kind feeling that prompted the Cfayernment" of the United States to accede ml so magnificent a manner to the invitation, to visit the Commonwealth. They ,feTb that from the visit they had much to learn. It should Be an object-lesson , to them as to -what national defence should ifae and what was entailed on the people. He hoped they would profit by America's example. Sir Harry Rawson, on "behalf of the State, said that as a naval officer he was pleased witn the exhibition of the fleet comings here, for it spoke highly of the Admiral's skill" that he should bring the fleet across and arrive in the manner he did. Mr XfeaMn, on behalf of fcße Commonswealth.-, extended' the -warmest greetings of Mnsbip and" hailed the arrival of the fle/§fc ■vrath- great confidence in the results to tne two great nations which they represent. He trusted that in the reception. accorded by some hundreds of thousands of citizens' in fhis country the Admiral' .itotdcF realise- that the geeting was in •essence aond' in truth from the whole people of Australia. , •Mr Wade, Premier of New South Wales, said? they felt keen interest in t'Bs viait> because, like the Americans, they had sprung-, from 'English stock. They Have' similar: problems to encounter, aftd' hoped- to learn from- the Americans' oiceess' the test" way to „ achieve success &j--tke future.