REGARD AND ADMIRATION.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 8, 19 August 1908, Page 41

REGARD AND ADMIRATION.

THE ADMIRAL’S DINNER. Rear- Admliral Sperry gave a farewell dinner on Friday night on board the flagship, which was attended by the following guests His Excellency the Governor, Kight Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, Admiral Emory, Admiral Schroeder, His Worship the Mayor (Mr. A. M. Myers), the Hon. Dr. Findlay, Admiral Wainwright, Captain Niles, Hon. G. Fowlds, Hon. T. McGowan, Cant. Osterhans, Capt. Qualtreugh, Hon. T. A. Millar, His Honor Mr. Jnstice Edwards, Captain Beatty, Hon. E. Mitchelsou (Chairman of Harbour Board), Commander Grant, Captain Fyler, K.N. (HiM.S., Encounter), U.S. Consul General (Mr. W. A. Prickett), Lieutenant Graven, Mr. W. F. Massey, M.P., Mr. F. E. Baume, M.P, 11. C., Lieut. Henderson, Lieutenant Rowan, Captain Ga-thorne-Hardy, Lieutenant Wnrtsbaugh. Rear-Admiral Sperry referred to the fact that he had cabled to President Roosevelt that the Government and the people of New Zealand had accorded the Fleet a most cordial reception, also that the Premier, Sir Joseph Ward, had, on behalf of the N.Z. Government, handed to him a most beautiful present for the President, coupled with an invitation for him to visit the Dominion. Admiral Sperry then read the following reply which he had received from the President:—* “ To Admiral Sperry, " I am greatly pleased with your “ telegram. Please convey to the “ Governor and the Prime Minister “ my hearty thanks and the expression of the sincere regard, friend—“ship, and admiration which the' people of the United States enter- “ tain for the people of New Zea- “ land. “ Extend my congratulations to “the Fleet. “ (Signed) “ THEODORE ROOSEVELT.” THE EVE OF DEPARTURE. EXCHANGE OF COURTESIES. MESSAGES FROM THE ADMIRAL AND PREMIER. Complimentary farewell messages were exchanged between Admiral Sperry and the Premier, Sir Joseph Ward on Friday. THE ADMIRAL MUCH IMPRESSED. Admiral Sperry’s message was as . follows:— The reception accorded to the United States Fleet by the Dominion Government, by the City of Auckland, and by the representatives of the various boroughs throughout New Zealand, has been hearty and cordial beyond expression, and cannot fail to draw closer the tics of common race and common interests in the Pacific. I am very much impressed with the security and ease of access of

your harbour, also with your facilities for shipping and general aspect of prosperity and progress of the port. I have also been very much Impressed by the exceedingly cordial and spontaneous reception given tb us by the people of Auckland, and the many visitors to the city from other parts of New Zealand, and the authorities generally. THE BOND OF FRIENDSHIP*. ’ Sir Joseph Ward’s message was in tlib following terms-.—-I wish Admiral Sperry and the officers and men of the United States Fleet a safe and happy cruise I also desire to say, on behalf of the Dominion of New Zealand, that we have been delighted with their altogether too short visit. They have left behind them pleasant and happy memories iii hearts warmed by the bond-of- friendship. 1 am voicing the sentiments of all in the Dominion when I say that we. appreciate the marked courtesy and kindness shown to us by one and all of the officers and men of the Fleet. The task of entertaining them has been most agreeable and pleasurable, especially because of the trouble our visitors have taken to fall in with every arrangement made. Their visit has unquestionably drawn the people of New Zealand closer to the people of America than they ever were before. In bidding Admiral Sperry and. those under his command farewell I cannot do better. than to say in the language of - our Maori race, Kia On, Arpha ” (" Good luck, and love.") CITIZENS’ MESSAGE TO THE ADMIRAL. THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS. His Worship the Mayor (Mi- Arthur Myers) lias written to the United States Consul-general as’ follows: — W. A, Priekitt, Esq;, Consul-General for the United States of America. Dear Sir,— On behalf of the Citizens of Auckland, I would, to kindly convey to Admiral Sperry our warmest appreciation of Jus kindness in allowing -the' bands of the fleet to discourse such delightful mtisie iii Albert Park last evening, which it is unnecessary to sdy was much enjoyed by the large concouise of people who were privileged to hea'r it. I would also embrace the opportunity of saying how much the people of Auckland, as well as the numerous visitors, have appreciated the'action of Admiral Sperry in allowing the warships to- be illuminated ’ each' evening-, {’specially at .KUcli an early hour as six, thus permitting not only adults, but children to enjoy the magnificent display. I would further acknowledge flic facilities granted by the Admiral and officers to the public, and especially the members of the younger, generation, to visit the -magnificent warships of the .fleet, affording them an opportunity which’ to many of them may probably never- occur again. I should like also to tender my best congratulations on tho orderly conduct and sobriety of the thousands of men-o’-warsmen who have been on shore during the week. Their behaviour has been most exemplary, and reflects, if I may be permitted to say so, the highest credit; on the service to which they belong. Tn conclusion, may 1 express the hone that Admiral Sperry. l ,: s officers and men, have spent an enjoyable time during

their sojourn amongst us, and tlrat their visit will result in further strengthening the close ties of sympathy already existing between the two great families of the Anglo-Saxon race.—l remain/ de:y sfr, yours faithfully, (Signed) ARTHUR M. MYERS. Mayor.