New-York tribune., 1908-08-12
AUCKLAND FESTIVITIES
GOTERNOR'S STATE BALL.,
WhiIe BattIeship Officers Dance
Smoking Concerts Entertain Sailors.

Auckland. Aug. 12-No more beautiful sight
ever witnessed at the picturesque Ellersie
racecourse than that of to-day. when a special
race meeting held for the entertainment OF
the officers and of the American fleet Ad-
miral Sperry and his staff and all the officers
who could be spared from duty and the entire
contingent of enlisted men on shore leave were
present The admiral and the officers were in
full uniform. There was an enormous gathering
to greet the Americans.
The spacious grandstand groaned under its
burden Of humanity and the beautiful green
lawns and slopes were thickly dotted with spec
tators. In the stand especially was the scene
pretty one. the variegated toilets of the women
blending harmoniously with the gold lace of the
naval officers and the blue and white trimmings
on the uniforms OF the enlisted men, majority
Of the races were close and exciting and brought
forth rounds of applause from the Americans.
After the Admiral Sperry and two hum
dred Of the officers OF the feet proceeded as the
guests of Prime Minister Ward and the
bers of Parliament to Rotorua- the township Of
the thermal district in the heart Of the North
Island. III miles from Auckland by rail- where
tomorrow a magnificent new bathhouse viii
be opened and when Maori tribesnnen win dance
their famous war dances for the Americans.
For tonight various sports ard entertain
the commissioned officers of the New zea-
land garrison will entertain at Drill Hall the
on-commssioned officers of the American and
Australasian ships
All the officers of the American fleet who did
not accompany the admiral to Rotorua will be
dtned by the Orphans Club this evening.
Auckland. New Zealand. Aug 1.-THE glo-
rious weather continues, and the celebrations
in honor OF the officers and men of the visiting
American warships are being carried out with
enthusiasm even greater than was expected
before the feet arrived. Auckland is full of
New zealanders who have come in from the
provinces. and day and night the city is in
festal attire
Lord Plunkitt Governor Of New Zealand.
gave a brilliant state ball at Government
House this evening in honor Of Admiral Sperry
and the officers Of the feet. Considerably
a thousand guests were present. They included
Vice-AdmiraI Sir Richard Poore, commander Of
the British Australasian squadron: Admiral
Sperry. commander of the American squadron;
Rear Admiral William H Emory. Rear Ad-
miral Richard Wainwright Sir Joseph Ward.
the Premier Of New Zealand: the Mayor of
Auckland. five hundred Dominion officials an
five hundred civilians.
While the American officers we're at Govern
r1ent House the men of the fleet were being
entertained at smoking concerts in the various
music halls
Admiral Sperry has approved almost in its
entirety the programme for the entertainment
in Australian waters. Among other things there
will be parade and review of 25.0OG men at
Melbourne The Of the American
ships already beginning to be very much in
terested in the race for the service cutter cham
pionshfp TO be held while the feet is at sgd
ney. The stake is $4,000.