The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-08-11
ADMIRAL SHERRY MEETS
 WITH CONGRATULATIONS
Brilliant State Ball Is Given by the Governor to the Officers-Ma- chinist on Missouri Killed
 by Falling Steel Shaft. 

Auckland, N E.. August 11-New Zea- land today again with a lavish hand showered it's hospitality upon the officers and men of the United States Atlantic battleship fleet The chief event of the day was the reception to Rear Admiral Sperry and his officers given this after noon In the drill hall by the mayor and mayoress of Auckland To meet the naval officers had gathered all the off- cials. civil and military and hundreds of citizens. Numerous women, gowned in the latest winter fashions also attended the function, which was a brilliant one in every respect.
 The admiral was highly complimented by every one on his successful cruise from San Francisco. After the reception Admiral Sperry entertained the members of the party at luncheon on board the Connecticut. The speeches on both sides were felicitous to a degree and express sve of the warm friendship that exists between New Zealand and the United States Shore leave was granted to 1000 bluejaekets this morning. They were taken in hand by various committees. whose duty and pleasure it was to see that they had a good time. And they had it.
 Theatre parties and other entertain ments had been arranged, and decorated electric cars conveyed the men of the fleet to the numerous beauty spots in the | suburbs Many of the men took advan- tage of their freedom to visit the summit of Mount Edin, an extinct volcano, the view of which is magnificent. Numerous souvenirs from the old Notifications built during the days of the wars between the Maori tribes were carried away by the sailors. The delightful and picturesque trip of eight miles through the country dotted here and there with beautiful villas to the quaint little town of One hunga, on Manukaua harbor, was taken by other seamen.
 The New Zealanders and the enlisted men fraternzed freely. The Americans took a remarkable interest in the work men of New Zealand and questioned them with regard to the labor regula- tions, their pay, etc. Throughout the morning. everywhere sailors could be seen who, having declined the invitations of the committees were promenading up and down the main thoroughfares with pretty girls their arms, laughing and chatting gaily and answering with witty replies the sallies of bystanders.
 Shortly after noon the men were taken to various places, where the committees had arranged elaborate luncheons for them. After the luncheons a majority of the men in obedience of the commands of their officers returned 10 their ships in order that another detachment might have shore leave during the afternoon. This evening a brilliant state ball will be given in honor of Admiral Sperry and the officers of the fleet by Lord Plunkitt the governor, at government house, and va rious smokers have been arranged for the enlisted men.
 Much satisfaction Is expressed by Ad- miral Sperry that Thomas Thomson Ew- ing, commonwealth minister of state for defense, has waived the regulations which prevent the landing of an armed force in order that the Americans may compete in rifle matches on Australian territory.
 Paul Genti1. machnists, while working today in the engine room of the battleshp Missouri was badly mangled by the fall of a steel shaft. He died later in the hos pital. military funeral will be given him.