Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-08-11
Extended to Officers Of
The Fleet at Auckland.
Mayor Gives Reception TO o.
ticers--- B|usjackets 60 Ashore.
Admiral sperry EntertaIns LegIsIa'
iure.. Great State Ball.

Auckland, New Zealand, Tuesday.
| Aug. 11-New Zealand again today
with a lavish hand ShoWered it's hos
pitality 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 afternoon in
| Drill hall, by the mayor and mayOress
of Auckland. To meet the naval Off
GERS had gathered all the officials, civil
and military and hundreds of citizens.
Numerous women, gOWned in the latest
winter fashions, also attended the func-
ton. on which was a brilliant one in
every respect. The admiral was high
~ complimented by everyone on his
successful cruise from San Francisco.
After the reception, Admiral Sperry
entertained the members of the Legis
lature at luncheon on board the Con-
necticut. The speeches on both sides
were felicitiOuS to a degree and eX-
preSsive of the warm friendship that
rests between New Zealand and the
United States. Shore leave was grant
ed to 1000 blue jackets this morning.
They We're taken in hand by various
committees whose duty and pleasure
it was to see that they had a good
time. Many of them took advantage of
their freedom to visit the summit of
Mount Eden, an extinct volcano the
view from which is a magnificent one.
Numerous souvenirs from the old forth
fication, built in the days of the wars
between the tribesmen, were carried
away by the jackies.
The New Zealanders and the enlist
ed men fraternized freely. The Ameri-
cans took a remarkable interest in the
workmen Of New Zealand, and ques-
toned them at length with regard to
the labor regulations, their pay, etc.
This evening a brilliant state ball was
the officers of the fleet by Lord Punk
etr the governor, at Government
house, and various smokers have been
arranged for the enlisted men.
Much satisfaction is expressed by
Admiral Sperry that Prime Minister
Ward has waived the regulations
which prevent the landing of armed
foreigners so that the Americans may
participate in rife matches which will
take place tomorrow and American
marksmen arc hopeful of making a
good showing.
Paul Gentle, machinist, while
working today in the engine room of
tire hattleship Missouri. was badly
mangled by the fall of a steel shaft.
He died later in. hospital A mill
tary funeral will be accorded him.
Auckland. N. T., August 1o-The
government gave a banquet to Rear
Admiral Sperry and the officers of the
American battleshp fleet now anchor
ed in this harbor at the drill hall to-
night. There were $50 persons present
and the affair was carried out on a
ma nifccnt scale. The hall was dec
Grated with flags, the Union Jack and
the stars and Stripes being console
uouS.
The prime minister of New Zealand,
Sir Joseph George Ward, in proposing
toast to King Edward and President
Roosevelt. said:
each is born ruler, richly endowed
with common sense and great ardent
lover of his country and people. Each
is a peacemaker. The American navy
is one of the greatest and most efficient
in the world. We are proud of Admir-
al Sperrys visit and no fleet save a
British one is so welcome"
When the ommander-in-chief arose to
reply to the prime minister's toast he
| received a tremendous ovation. In his
speech he said that while the navy float
ed no enemy could reach New Zcalard's
shores. He recalled the time when the
Americans were told that they had the
| strongest navy in the world--when they
had seven rotten monitors. He was very
| hopeful now because 50 many gallant
young officers were growing up in the
navy. which, owed so much to President
| Roosevelt The fleet, the admiral said.
| had developed homogeneity and by its
| present cruise had enlarged the benefits
| Of naval training. He could safely say
| that there was nothing nearer to the
| heart OF President Roosevelt than the
| cordial welcome extended by New Yea
land"rs to the fleet, and he was conf
dent that It was agreeable to the King.
Vice Admiral Sir Richard Poore. COM
mandcr of the Australasian squadron re-
| plying t. a toast of the British navy. well
coined the American fleet to the Australia
| sian station, and said he was proud of the
opportunity to have his own name cou-
pied WITH that of Admiral Srerrv
! The Nominations in Auckland tonight
were brilliant. the town and harpor be-
ing ablaze with lights
| grand review of the Auckland troops
was held on the military field this after
noon and was a brilliant sight.
| WILL BE HELD.