THE U.S.A. FLEET

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9119, 11 April 1908, Page 2

THE U.S.A. FLEET

VISIT TO THE DOMINION. AUCKLAND’S PREPARATIONS. ~ Per Press Association. Auckland, April 10. The announcement that the American Fleet is to visit New Zealand and make Auckland its port of call in the Dominion, is beng received with much gratification. It is certain that the visit will he made the occasion for a carnival week in Auckana. Carnivals have already been held by Rotorua and Napier, and the Auckland carnival, it is anticipated, will beTsomething on a large-scale, which will attract viistors from all parts of the Dominion. Naturally accommediation will be in great demand, and already telegrams have been received at hotels and boardinghouses hooking rooms for the week during which the American Fleet is expected to be in the Waitemata Harbour. These messages have come from other centres in New Zealand, so that it is evident Auckland may expect a very large influx of visitors, not only from its own great country population, hut also from other provinces. Probably from 20,000 to 30,000 visitors will come here, and join in the great greeting to be extended to the American officers and men, and through them to the American nation. Excurisou fares by rail and sea are expected to be provided, to enable visitors from all parts of New Zealand to participate in the welcome. It is assumed, as a matter of course, that Parliament will adjourn during “Fleer, Week,” in order that members of both House may participate in the festivities, and it is suggested that as the gap between the rail heads of the Main Trunk Line will be comparatively short, the members of Parliament should he conveyed in a body over the railway, thus enabling our lawmakers as a whole to gain a good idea of the country in the North Island. An Early|Settlers Demonstration is also suggested.