UNITED STATES FLEET.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2247, 20 July 1908, Page 2

UNITED STATES FLEET.

FURTHER REFERENCE IN PARLIAMENT. [Special to “Times.”] WELLINGTON, July 18. There appears to lie some considerable dilfe.anco of opinion about going to so mucli expense in connection with the welcome of the American fleet, and the matter continues to be referred to in the Ho.use of Representatives.

Mr. Fisher yesterday objected to the adjournment oi Parliament in connection with Fleet Week, urging as one reason the anti-British legislation of the United States.

Mr. Hornsby, who followed him, took tho opposite view. lie said there was no intention to go on a violent “jamboree," but he favored a welcome because events were occurring elsewhere, and he was thankful chat Uncle Sam had come into the Pacific to keep the yellow and brown man busy. It there was to he any trouble, Britain would take off her ships to guard her own coasts. “If," he added, “we have to decide under which flag we will live, then give me the Stars and Stripes before the. Dragon of the itisilig Sun." Mr. Jarnos Allen: Stick to the British flag. Mr. Hornsby: Yes, stick to the British flag; but if we cannot keep it flying 1 would ratlier have the Stars and Stripes (oh!) than the monkey brand. “On tile other side of tho world,” added Mr. Hornsby, “decadeilcc lias already set in, and we have been handed over to the Japs ever since our ships' in the Pacific have been absorbed by the British fleet. An hon. member: No.

Mr. Hornsby: Yes. We have now got only a few tin cans floating about called warships, and the Japanese ships could blow the whole lot out of the water in ten minutes. Tho Prime Minister will have something to say to the critics of the Government proposals regarding the welcome to the fleet when he replies in the Financial Debate. M.-P.’S AND THE FLEET. [Special to “Times.”] AVELLINGTON, July 19. From present appearances it seems likely that not more than thirty out of the eighty members of Parliament will proceed to Auckland for Fleet AA 7 eek. . A large number of names was originally handed in, but it appears that a number of members were under the impression that the Government intended paying their hotel and travelling expensos. Finding such not to bo the case, several are dropping out of the list. There is, however, some talk of a deputation to see the Premier on the subject, the opinion being expressed that as members will in a sense be the ambassadors of tho Dominion on a notable international occasion, the country should pay all expenses. AUCKLAND ARRANGEMENTS. NATIAJE ENTHUSIASM. [Special to “Times.”] AUCKLAND, July 18. In venv of the fact that the maritime membership of tho Young Men’s Christian Association in America is very large, the local branch is makmg all possible arrangements' for the entertainment of visiting members, and, in addition to various concerts to bo given, the Association is extending the use of its buildings to these guests.

With tho exception of three or four firms, all business promises in Queen Street aro either decorating or Illuminating their promises, while a largo number aro doing both. Arrangements are also in hand for general schemes of decorations for Victona Street and Shortland Street. As the result of correspondence between the Hon. Mahuta and the Mayor of Auckland, a large muster of '’fftives, estimated at from 2CO to .300, will accompany the crew chosen to man the canoe on their , visit to Auckland and take part in the welcome to the American fleet. T] le natives apjiear to take a lively interest in the matter, and listen ‘to and read various accounts with considerable eagerness. A number _of American ladies at present residing in Auckland have clubbed together to present to the adjmral, officers, aiicT men of the fleeta large floral device in the form of a Lmon Jack and Stars and Stripes in red white and blue flowers crossed on a flagstaff, which, with poles and pedestal, will bo picked out in green. From the top will be flown streamers of ribbon. This presentation will be made to Admiral Sperry when the fleet anchors.