Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-13

AUCKLAND, N. T., August 1S.-Won-
derful sights were sen by Rear Ad-
miral Sperry and the contingent of on
GERS Of the American fleet who spent to-
day at Rotorua and adjacent places in
the Thermal district-New Zealand's won
derland, 1t has been aptly named-as the
guests of Prime Minister Ward and del
sgation Of members Of parliament.
Besides attending the ceremonies Incl
dent to the opening OF the new govern
ment bath and receiving hearty though
unique welcome by q great assemblage of
Maori tribesmen. an opportunity was at
forded the Americans Of visiting many Of
the strange freaks Of nature in the neigh
|borhoed-great and small geysers. the
roaring steam pit at Tikitere and the
multi-colored lakes Of hot. cold and tenn
perate water.
Admiral sperry himself applied soap to
the big seyser-it will not erupt otherwise
land the explosion that followed was
magnificent. The steaming water was
thrown to height Of 200 feet The ad-
miral and the officers with him entered
heartily into the various native cere-
monies. They wore mats and carried in
their hands ancient weapons Of the Maori
tribe.
Maori Village an Attraction.
The village Of the Maoris was also an
attraction to many Of the officers. who
keenly enjoyed the sights they saw there.
Even the nearby cemetery. where lie the
bodies OF many Europeans killed during
the eruption Of 1885, was not forgotten.
for many Of the Americans made respect
full visits there
After the ceremonies Of inauguratinR the
new bath had been completed the Maoris
In largo numbers. dressed In their weird
costumes. greeted the American admiral
and his Officers. At first the chief of the
tribesmen. according to ancient custom.
challenged the visitors. desiring to know
whether they came In peace or in war.
Having received assurance that the mis-
sion was . peaceful one. they were sur.
and there was a staupinx Of frenxied
feet In war dances and hakka dances.
The Americans greatly enjoyed the
strange scene and were charmed by the
suppleness and grace Of the dancers
thanked the Maori chief for the welcome
of the tffbesmen and for the entertain
nent they had afforded him and his Off,
GERS. The chief made 4 felicitous reply
In the course Of which he brought smiles
heard him by remarking:
The Chiefs Remarks.
I'VE sent our warriors to meet you as
you are all Misunderstanding men. Had
you been ordinary people We would have
sent the women first"
The Maoris presented Admiral Sperry
and the American officers with many
priceless tribal heiYiooms.
The American officers will return to
Auckland tomorrow to attend a reception
in their honor in the evening by w. A..
Prickett. the American consul general.
The town is still crowded with visitors.
Shore leave was granted again today to
several thousands Of the enlisted men.
who we're taken on short excursions and
entertained at the theaters. At the Saw
age Club tonight many OF the officers
who did not accompany Rear Admiral
Sperry will be entertained.
The American supply ship CulgoA will
sail Saturday for Brisbane. arriving there
the 10th. The Glacier and the collier Ajax
have been sighted. The hospital ship Re-
lief has arrived here with four boilers
leaking. Repairs will be made by the
fleet.
The American rife team suffered de-
feat at the hands Of the city Of Auckland
team owing to the fact that they have
had very little practice in long -distance
land shooting. The storeShip Oracle and
the collier Ajax have arrived. They were
delayed by rough weather. The three
other Golfers have not yet been sighted.