THE AMERICAN FLEET

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13677, 20 August 1908, Page 5

THE AMERICAN FLEET

EXCITEMENT IN SYDNEY. Press Assoeiation-Bv Telegraph-Copyright SIDNEY, -August. 19. The city is simirieirmg -With excitement and strenuous '.efforts are being made to complete the preparations before the ar-. rival of the 1 fleet. The transportation of enormous crowds to the coast line and harbour foreshores will tax to- the utmost the train and) steamer .facilities, r, . AY ; big fleet: of steamers '-has : beW .'engaged to meet and escort the warships.':' "' The weather promises to .-be fine, and!'the city wears an exceedingly gay appearance.

HIGHLY ARTISTIC DISPLAY. WIRELESS MESSAGE OP WELCOME. Received 12.40 a.m., August. 20th.' . . SYDNEY, August 19.. Without approaching in, .a degree the fine display made in ' honour of • founding the Commonwealth, the decorations ' of that portion of the city through which the procession of American visitors'. will pass, have been conceived and in a highly artistic manner. The city tonight as undergoing rehearsal for Friday's displays. Tens of thousand's: of people: throng the .streets. < Most of, the public buildings, and private .and business houses, are brilliantly illuminated with; ; -manyhued lamps. The weather Jis-beatitifully fine but cold. : : ;• .-

Lord Northeota. forwarded: by wireless telegraphy the following message:— "Sperry,. on behalf-of. the -Commonwealth, I tender hearty welcome from the whole of ito people to fleet,, which represents so magnifipei^.our,; friends and; kinsmen of the United States. Hope you have had good voyage from New Zealand and on arrival you-'will receive an enthusiastic greeting from this part of: His Majesty's Empire." • . Per Press Association.

- AUCKLAND, .August 19. .. Ensign Robert Emmet, of the -U.S.A. Connecticut and a descendant of the famous Irish patriot, will, when on shore at Sydney, be the guest of his , eminence Cardinal Moian. -,

It is estimated' that 150,p00 .po($: cards,-j chiefly for America, were* posted; last'' week. £- /;y : -'' "-:• ■"'•'.• r '''' : ; The local Government tourist bureau has; experienced sea. exceptionally busy week. "We have had a great V excess over the ordinary number of callers)," said' Mr 0. Walhiutt, officer in: charge, to-day. A considerable number; of, American officers from the fleet called to make enquiries in regard to the dominion ae a place of settlement* ■;•• Some spoke of making a start on the laud in New' Zealand returning here after their period of service had expired. They wished to ascertain all particulars concerning the prices and classes of land and the chances of commencing? for themselves with certain capital. Inquiries were. also instituted as to the best parts of the dominion for settlement. Many expressed themselves .enamoured of the country with the glowing accounts they iad! read of it, and the results of their own observations during their .-stay, here.,. All .these callers'.were supplied -with (settlement' guides and otlier information relating to the ..subject.;-; "It could easily be seen," said Mr' VVallmitt, -".that, they at once, appreciated' the con-, ditdons prevailing in New Zealand. They expressed the opinion that it was a 6plen- : did country in. which to settle, arid I think from what I.have wen. that it, in, the near future: .we should get many settlers from America." .-■.-'„;■