THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9211, 14 April 1908, Page 3

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

.[Pbk Press AssociATrax.] AUCKLAND, April 14. It is likely that one of the most interesting features in the gala week on the occasion of the American fleet's vieit to Auckland will be the great Maori demonstration in Victoria Park. King Mahuta, who is in Auckland, expressed himself as highly enthusiastic. He believes that a Native gathering could be held in Auckland on such a scale as was never known before. As representative of the original owners of the soil it would be a pleasure to welcome the* fleet, and that pleasure would be shared by his people. Interviewed, the Hem J. M'Gowan stated that the Cabinet at its first meeting would consider the entertainment of the American fleet. Personally he favoured an adjournment of Parliament to enable the Legislature to participate in the welcome., but ,it would depend how the matter was viewed by members. No scheme had yet been formulated to entertain the visitors. He was not altogether enamoured of the suggestion to hold a Maori huia in Auckland., many difficulties being in the road 3 while the Americans saw plenty of natives in their own country. He favoured a big round of bright, sound functions.