The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-08-19
SQUADRON At AUCKLAND,
NEW ZEALAND SHOWERS HOSPI.
TALITY ON AMERICAN FLEET.

With the Battleships-Many Go
Sightseeing, While Others PrOm-
enade Streets With Pretty New
Zealand Girls on Their Arms.
Auckland, n. L., Aug. 11.-New
Zealand today again, with lavish
hand, showered its hospitality upon
the officers and men of the United
states Atlantic battleship fleet. The
chlef event Of the day was the recep-
ton to Rear Admiral Sperry and his
off1cers given this afternoon in drill
hall by the mayor and mayoress of
Auckland. To meet the naval officers
had gathered all the officials, civil and
military and hundreds # citizens.
Numerous women, gowned in the
latest winter fashions, also attended
the function, which was a brilliant ona
In every respect. The admiral was
highly complimented by every one on
his successful cruise from San Fran
CISCO
AFTER the reception, Admiral Sperry
entertained the members of the leg
islature at luncheon on board the
Connecticut. The speeches on both
sides were felicitious to degree and
expressive Of the warm friendship
that exists between New Zealand and
the United States. \
Shore leave was granted to 1000
blue jackets this morning. They were
taken In hand by various committees,
whose duty and pleasure it was to see
that they had good time. And they
mad 1t. Theatre parties and other
entertainments had been arranged and
decorated electric cars conveyed the
| men Of the fleet to the numerous beau.
" spots in the superbs. Many Of them
took advantage Of their freedom Ia
visit the sumit Of Mount Eden. an ex.
unct volcano, the view from which is
magnificent one. Numerous soyen.
irs from the old fortifcation built in
the days Of the wars between the Ma.
ori tribes were carried away by the
sailors. The delightful and pictur.
esque trip Of eight miles through the
country dotted here and there with
beautiful parks to the quaint little
town Of Onehongua, on Manukua har.
bor,was taken by others of the sea.
men. The New zealanders and the
enlisted men fraternized freely. The
Americans took a remarkable interes,
IN the workmen Of New Zealand. and
questioned them at length with regard
70 the labor regulation. their pay, ETC.
Throughout the morning. everywhere
sailors could be seen. who having de-
clined the invitations Of the commit
tees. were promenading up and down
the main thoroushfare. with pretty
girls on their arms, laughing and
chatting gaily and answering with
witty replies the sallies Of by-standers
Shortly after noon the men were ia.
Ken to various places where the com.
mittee had arranged elaborate lunch.
cons for them. After the luncheons
a majority OF the men in obedience to
the commands Of their officers return.
ed to their ships. in order that anoth-
er detachment might have shore leave
during the afternoon.
This afternoon a brilliant State ball
Will be given in honor of Admiral
Sperry and the officers of the fleet by
Lord Plunkett, the governor, at Gov
ernment House, and various smokers
have been arranged for the enlisted
men.
Much satisfaction is expressed by
Admiral Sperry that Thomas Thorn
son Ewing. commonwealth minister of
State for defence, has waived the reg
lations which prevent the landing of
an armed force in order that the
Americans may compete in rifle
matches on Australian territory.
Paul Gentil machinist, while
working today in the engine room of
the battleship Missouri. was badly
mangled by the fall Of a steel shaft.
HE died later in a hospital. A military
funeral will be accorded him.