VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9254, 5 June 1908, Page 1

VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND.

THE PROGRAMME OF ENTERTAINMENT. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, June 4. Some idea of the reception which will be accorded the American' fleet on its arrival in Auckland may now be conceived. This morning the special commissioners appointed by the Government (Messrs T. H. Hamer and T. E. Donne) waited upon his Excellency the Governor, Lord Plunket, and afterwards upon the Mayor (Mr Myers), and discussed matters in connectiopa with the coming visit. When ipttw* viewed this afternoon, Mr Myers disclosed some exceedingly interesting.information, giving a general idea of the programme which is likely to be carried out. It is, his Worship stated, proposed under the Government programme to grant £5000 towards the cost of the entertainments. Resolutions will be submitted to Parliament embodying a welcome to the admiral, officers and men of the fleet. Members of both Houses will be asked to adjourn to enable them to visit Auckland and take part in the official reception. Invitations will be extended to the members' wives and families. The mayors of the various cities and boroughs of New Zealand will also be extended an invitation. The Government will be asked to provide transportation to all those to whom invitations are extended. Everything is being done meanwhile by the Government to rush on the Main Trunk Railway line, so that the gap between the two ends of the rails will be reduced to a few miles only. The Government proposes to give a national dinner on the Monday evening, at which the admiral, officers and official guests will be present. At this gathering, the Mayor added, it is estimated- that there will probably be an attendance of about 1000. The Government further contemplates associating with the local committee in arranging some kind of an entertainment for the men. The Volunteers throughout the Auckland provincial district will be called out, and on the Monday afternoon a grand review will take place. The Government in this connection will also be expected to provide transport facilities for country corps. Preliminaries were also discussed for, an official welcome by the. Premier, and it is understood that the opportunity will be embraced by the Government of making a presentation on behalf of the people of New Zealand of souvenirs to President Roosevelt and the admiral- of the fleet. Souvenir books are now being.. printed by the Government for presentation to each officer of the fleet. It is also proposed to issue a souvenir book to each man. On Tuesday evening the Mayor will give a reception, which the admiral and officers and leading citizens of Auckland will be invited to attend. On Wednesday the Government proposes to take the adr miral v and officers to Rotorua to witness the sights of Wonderland, and to also give them the opportunity of making themselves acquainted with the native customs. Suitable entertainments and receptions will also 'be arranged there, and the visitors will return from the thermal regions on Friday afternoon in time to participate in the function at Government House, which his Excellency the Governor is aranging in honour of the fleet. On Friday evening, August 14, the Governor will gi^ a State ball, for which / about 1200 mvitavions will be issued. I A meeting of citizens will be held tomorrow afternoon or evening, at which the details in connection with the Government and civic programme will be considered. — — -—• — ■ i in :