THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9321, 22 August 1908, Page 4

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

. — +> , THE STATE BANQUET. WARM EXPRESSIONS OF FRIEND SHIP. United Press Association — By Electrio Telegraph— Copyright. (Received August 22, 10.21 a.nf.) SYDNEY, August 22. , The guests at the State banque numbered one thotisand. The Premier the Hon C. G. Wade, in proposing th< health of the King and the President made feeling reference to the kinshij between the United States and Grea Britain, which was growing stronge year by year. The British were oni: too willing to regard their friend across the Atlantic as natural -allies. Mr Deakin, in proposing the healtl of Lord Nortjicote, paid a glowing fare well tribute to the departing Governor General. He described the fleet 86 i harbinger of peace, bringing to Aus tralia a message of confidence, and car rying throughout the world an assur ance of strength. No other flag woul< have received such a welcome as tha • which was being tendered on this qcca sion. In replying, Lord Northcote said h believed such* visits only required de velopment to become an important fac tor for 'the furtherance- of the peac' and prosperity of the world. He hope. the time would come when an Austra lian squadron would be ablo to retun the visit. Sir Harry Rawson, the State Gover nor, said the flags of America an< Great Britain wero entwined, and h hoped they would always be on th same side. Admiral Sperry, in replying to th toast of th© guests, said their wel come had been cordial and enthusiasti beyond measure. Evidently it was f ror the people, from their representative and the representatives of the King and at the back of all was kinship, com mon interests, blood and commo; Christianity. He hoped the ties, whicl were now as strong as steel, would be come stronger and more numerous. Ad miral Sperry then proposed the Britis] Navy. Sir Richard Poore, in replying, at tributed the enthusiasm and friendshi] to their interests being almost Identi cal, because each was strong and re spected each other's strength, and be cause of their united efforts in the di rection of peace. * Mr Deakin, responding to the toas of the Commonwealth, said he lookei forward to the day when from .Atistra lian harbours there would go forth ! fleet worthy to be compared with th ! most- magnificent squadron which na' reached the Australian shores. (Received August 22, 10.35 aim.) The weather is fine. To-day's pre gramme includes visits of contingent from the fleet to the country, a nun her of sporting events, concerts, -the atre parties, and a Venetians' earn, val in the harbour.