THE WHITE ARMADA

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2269, 14 August 1908, Page 2

THE WHITE ARMADA

THE ADMIRAL AT ROTORUA. A GREAT DAY. AMERICANS CHARMED AND BEWILDERED. (From our Special Commissioner.) ROTORUA, August 13. Rotorua made a brave show to-day when the Admiral of the United States fleet, Sir Joseph Ward and party, together with a large gathering ol American officers, visited Now Zealand’s famous spa. After a irosty .night, the sun rose early from a cloudless sky and quickly dispelled the chill from tho atmosphere. It was one of those perfect spring days which add materially to the zest of life in this inuoh-l'avoreil .Dominion. 'There was just enough of coolness in the temperature to make the morning exhilarating, and as tho narty wore taken for a drive, every individual wins in the host of spirits. As usual tlio thermal springs provoked the wonderment and admiration of the Americans, whose comments wero invariably amusing. Afterwards tho visitors were taken to the grounds of tile new bathhouse, where the Maoris first challenged their entrance in the old-time fashion, and afterwards welcomed thorn. The ceremonies were very prettily carried out, and then tho natives wore congregated on tho lawn in front of the now edifice and went through) a. programme , of dances, to tho delight of tlio couple of thousand spectators. A more picturesque, charming, and altogether novel scene could scarcely have been imagined, and there was littlo wonder that tho Americans frankly admitted that it constituted .the most memorable entertainment which hospitality has bestowed upon them since their now famous cruise was first commenced. Reclining on a gentle slope, the spectators looked down on about 100 members of tho Arawa and other tribes, who wero engaged either in dancing or sitting about waiting for their turn. The big, active, lusty Maoris, many of them superb specimcno of manhood, performed the ancient war dances in a realistic and impressive manner, whilst the girls and women, attired in neat and picturesque costumes, performed the poi dances. At one end was a model pah, from the high towers of which native warriors kept, guard over their newly-made friends. Large crowds formed a ring around tlio performers, and assisted to an animated scone which was set in most charming surroundings. Tho poi dancers earned enthusiastic applause for the graceful and clever canoe dance. At the conclusion, there was an interval of Maori oratory, and an accompaniment of valuable gift® to tho Admiral, Sir Joseph Ward, and other distinguished members of tho party. Some one remarked that a mat presented to the Admiral was worth £GO, and as this was only ono of many gifts, it is to bo sincerely hope that they will bo appreciated. To see the whole-hearted manner in which first one, and then another, Maori chief came along and threw on the ground, at the feet of tho Admiral, Valued treasures of the various tribes, was to " realise, instinctively and unreservedly, tho splendid generosity of the Maori race. Next eamo tlio formal opening of the magnificent bathhouse, which has just been completed. The ceremonies and speeches were coinmendably brief, and then tho visitors spent an hour looking through the building. It is certainly a wonderful place, and one can scarcely imagine that the business dono there will pay for its construction and maintenance, although on this point there is Mr. Donne’s assurance that nothing need bo feared in this respect. Outside the building is a beautiful specimen of architecture, whilst tho interior and fittings are truly gorgeous. There appear to lie more ways of having a bath than the average individual has any conception of, whilst the apparatus for massage and similarly, for medical treatment are fearful and wonderful in their number and variety. Whether a person visits tho spa, either for pleasure or health, he should have littlo trouble in being thoroughly accommodated. hi the afternoon tlio guests of the Government were driven to Whakarewarewa, and all Rotorua seemed to be there also. If the visitors wondered at the Rotorua springs they found fresh cause for astoivishement when investigating tho marvellously weird attractions of Whakarewnrowa. The incipient geysers, tlio boiling springs, the mud pools, the whole atmosphere of the place, with its sulphuretted steam, tho heated crust of earth in tho locality combined to make an impression that hold them spell-bound. “Never had such a timo in my life,” was tho frequent expression of the officers, who constantly chaffed each other on their first experience of “Hades.” As a. special attraction the Wairoa geyser was soaped and responded by giving a very fine exhibition. Slio played up beautifully to a height of about 100 feet, whilst onlookers who saw the sight for iht first time marvelled and mailnod. To add to the charm of wluit was not only an awe-inspiring, but also a beautiful sight, the sun shining brightly Hirougli the clouds of steam produced a perfect clear-cut rainbow on the background of the hills. Throughout tlieir entire visit the Americans have greatly appreciated the hospitality accorded to them, but they are unanimous in declaring that “to-day lias been the limit.” They should be pleased, for the Government has left no stone unturned to make their stay a pleasant and enjoyable one, and their frequent expressions of appreciation are evidence that the fact is recognised. It certainly lias been a great day for all concerned, the only Jty in the ointment being the disappointment of the Maoris at not seeing the oilicors in uniform. Tho natives dearly love a display of color, but the Admiral had given permission to his officers to make tho trip in civilian attire, and they accordingly were glad to do so. Mr. W. D. Lysnar (Mayor of Gisborne) and Mrs. Lysnar are at present staying in Rotorua. A Gisborne resident, William Morris, who served In tlio American, navy at one time, journeyed to Rotorua specially to seek an interview with Admiral Sperry. He was introduced to the head of the fleet by the Mayor of Gisborne, and a very interesting cliat was tlio result. otlie,flvzto o,reic raortqbofieeuq Pdtu A MAORI WELCOME. PRESENTS TO GUESTS. OPENING OF BATH HOUSE. [l’itkss Association,] ROTORUA, August 13. Tlio American naval officers appear to have greatly enjoyed the day at Rotorua. About nine n.m. this morning blisses laden with various members ol tile official party and national guests began to travel about the streets ana out to Ohinemutu, where the thermal action excited great interest. A procession of carriages was then formed outside the Grand Hotel, and drove to the sanatorium grounds. Tlio first carriage was occupied by Sir Joseph Ward, Admiral Sperry, Lady Ward, and Mrs Fyler, wile oi Captain Fyicr, of H.M.S. Encounter. The town band played the “Star-Spangled Banner.” After Hie ceremonies of challenging by three Maori warriors had been performed at .. the entrance, the party proceeded on foot along Queen’s Drive, where hakas of welcome were danced by both sexes of the Maoris. When nearing the new hath building, a welcome was given by a number of Maori maidens, who were attired in bright-colored dresses and excellent Maori mats and korowais, each performer holding a green twig in hand. The Maori demonstration proved most interesting to the American visitors. Sentinels placed on the watch towers at the corners of the pa announced in a loud voice the approach of the procession. A party of warriors entering from the north was faced by a party issuing from the pa. After some evolutions, both parties combined and danced several liakas of welcome. At tho conclusion of the hakas, a

number of leading Maoris inade (speeches of welcome. Tlio chief Kiharoa delivered the following speech: “Welcome, welcome lo Admiral Sperry and the American ollieors from the Arawas, welcome to our distinguished visitors who are sprung from the same lineage as tlio Anglo-Saxons and our King Edward tlio Seventh. Wo specially welcome you because i':o Maoris aro a seafaring people, and in the olden days, when your ancestors were hugging the coasts, they sailed in canoes dug out with axes all over the Pacific Ocean, long before Columbus discovered your country or touched upon its shores. Our tribe came to New Zealand in the Arawa canoo, from which wo tako our name. Wo have greeted you with a welcome from the warriors first, because you are, warriors. Had you not been warriors our women would liavo been tlio first to greet you. Again, wo, tho Arawas, welcome you.” Dr. Buck acted as interpreter during tlio whole proceedings. Benlyiiig, Admiral Sperry, said ho thanked tho Maoris very heartily for their kind welcoino, more especially as it was from one seafaring people to another. Tho Anglo-Saxon race was spreading over tho Pacific, and wherever it went it ameliorated tho condition of those peoples who heeamo its subjects Ho again thanked them for their welcome according to tlio ceremonies of their race. Sir Joseph Ward made a brief address of thanks. Tho American officers hero gave a long-drawn, nseending-sealo “hurrah” three times. Poi dances were then executed under the management of the guides Maggie and Bella, and hakas were danced by a number of warriors stripped to the waist. Many valuable presents were then made by the Maoris to the guests, including several handsome kiwi feather mats, llax and fibre mats, kits, a sword, war belts, meres, tanahas, pouwhenuas and other weapons, some of which were very ancient and richly carved. Admiral Sperry, Sir Joseph Ward, Lady Ward, and Airs. Fyler wero invested with Maori cloaks by Maggie and Bella.

Sir Joseph Ward then opened tho new bath-house, which has been erected in the sanatorium grounds. Having opened tho door with a golden key, Sir Joseph, accompanied by the official party, ascended the balcony, whore he delivered an address. The Premier, in the course of his remarks, gave figures illustrating the progress Rotorua was following. The last five years the gross receipts to tlio Government from Rotorua have increased 153 per cent. The population had risen from 900 to 2000, and the number of houses from 9G to over 50u including business premises. The total receipts since 1902 were £43,282, and during the same period tho hath receipts were £16,611 Tho Inhaling contains the last work of science in the electrical massage aiul other methods of treating disease At present the town lias an electric lighting at a cheaper rate than 'Wellington During five years tho Government has paid £21,253 into the town account. Rotorua is unique, inasmuch as it belongs to the people and is managed by the State Department. “I trust tlio building I am opening may prove a success, both as a pleasure resort and a place where pain will be alleviated and sickness cured.” (Applause.) Being asked to say a few words Admiral Sperry thanked Sir Joseph Ward and tho New Zealand people for tho hearty welcome, and said that, as lor the building, he would like to tako it away witli him. (Laugliter and applause). Sir Joseph Ward then spoko in high terms of praise of the work done by Mi - . T. E. Donne, Mr. Wohlmann (balneologist), and Messrs Corlete and Trigg, architicts of the building, and Air. Hutchinson, the contractor. Cheers were given, and the building was then declared open. In the afternoon the visitors drove to Whakarewarewa, where the Maori meeting-house was opened with ancient formalities. Two of the leading chiefs, Mita. Taupopoki and Tutanekai, delivered speeches, and presented addresses to Admiral Sperry arid Sir Joseph Ward. The thermal sights were then viewed under the guidance of Maggie and Bella and other native guides. The Wairoa geyser was soaped and gave a magnificent display. Brilliant weather prevailed throughout tho day.. lii tho evening the bands plaved'iii tho Government gardens, and Alaori entertainments were given in the two halls.

THE FLEET’S DEPARTURE, A DAY’S DEER-STALKING. [Press Association.,] AUCKLAND, August 13. Tho licet ivill leave the waters of the AVaitcmata at 8 a .mi. oil Saturday. The speed on tho voyage to Sydney lias been fixed for 10 knots per hour, and the warships anchor in tho Australian harbor on Thursday morning at 11.30 a.in. H.M.S. Powerful leftfor Sydney this morning. The supply steamer Oulgoa sails for Brisbane to-morrow morning to load a cargo of fresh meat for the fleet. Tho vessel arrives at Brisbane on the 10th inst., and ?e joins tho fleet at Sydney a few days later. Somo thirty olticers from the American fleet left for Motutapu to-day to indulge in a day’s sport deer-stalk-ing on tho island. Tho party returned to town this evening with several good antlers as trophies of the visit. A SHOOTING MATCH. THE VISITORS DEFEATED. [Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 13. A team of Auckland volunteers defeated the representatives of the rifle shots of tho American fleet at Penrose to-day by 65 points. The conditions were 25 men aside ,with seven shots at 200, 500, and 600 yards. Auckland got 2311 points, and the visitors 2246. The highest scores of the day were put on by Midshipmen Jones and Stewart, of tlio visitors, who got 102 and 100 respectively. The home team’s best score was 99.

‘ BRISBANE’S INVITATION. ADMIRAL SPERRY IN REPLY. [Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 13. Tho Acting Secretary ol State for Queensland cabled Admiral Sperry, expressing regret that the fleet was unable to visit. Brisbane, and convoying alfectionato greetings. Admiral Sperry replied, expressing, on behalf ol tho American Oiovermuciit, heartfelt til a lilts tor the cordial greetings. Ho added: “America and Australasia, ill working towards a realisation, ol ideals of freedom and justice, inherited from the Mother Country, and sharing the community of interest of our race, must ever dwell together in sympathy and mutual understanding, and it is btit natural that the warmest friendship and regard should mark our intercourse; but tho unbounded hospitality and evidences of esteem with which wo are meeting on every hand among your people are peculiarly gratifying. It is regretted that the necessity for the return of the fleet to the Atlantic by a certain date precludes the possibility of extending our stay in Australian waters by a visit to Brisbane.” AUCKLAND NOTES. [Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 13. A story published yesterday by the “Star,” regarding the concentration of American warships at Manila Buy being significantly coincident with the date upon which tho Japanese immigration treaty is to be signed, appears to be credited by a largo number of men of the American fleet. It is stated that in an Auckland bar last night ail altercation between an arrogant Britisher and some American sailors ended in a fight. Tho Britisher is alleged to have knocked out about ton Americans, who. however, wore mostly pretty inebriated. An exposition of the' sailor police effectiveness was seen in Queon Street yesterday. Somo American sailors boarded an empty motor car and demanded a ride. Persuasion from tho owner Qf tho' can failed to induce

them to got out, but tho patrol promptly jumping into tho car literally belabored tho men till they were glad to cut and run for it. SYDNEY PREPARATIONS. SATISFACTORY PROG.RESS. United Press Association. Copyright (Received August 14, 12.40 a.m.) SYDNEY. August 13. Tho preparations for the United States fleet aro progressing satisfactorily, and tho streot decoration* are well forward. AN EFFICIENCY TEST. A WORLD-WIDE IMPRESSION. United Press Association. Copyright LONDON, August 12. Tho “Times” says tlio American fleet has impressed tho world and gratified Americans by tho great circumnavigation, which is the best test of efficiency. The “Times” comments on tho largo proportion of officers of the old school, who dearly love obsolete drills. THE VISITING PRESSMEN. INTERESTING PARTICULARS.

Tho press of the United States is represented by five gentlemen, including one artist, all of whom travel with the fleet. During the cruise the pressmen have occasion illy had the assistance of wireless telegraphy in the despatch of the more important messages. Air. R. H. Patcliin, on the Vermont, represents the “New York Herald,” which is looked upon as the greatest shipping newspaper of tho United States and the world. The “Herald” naturally takes a great deal of interest in naval matters, and Afr. Patcliin, who has been attached to the Washington bureau of the paper, has been in close touch with affairs appertaining to tills department. In the opinion of his brother pressmen, Air. Patcliin bids fair to make his mark at journalism. Air. H. L. Clotworthy (Georgia) i 6 with tho fleet as the representative of the United Press, which was formerly known as the iScripps-McCrea Press. This organisation supplies news to a large number of evening papers throughout the United States, with more or less brief despatches and editorial matter. Air. Clotworthv is regarded as one of the ablest writers on tho press in America, and is a man of culture. He has, moreover, had experience of more than one aspect of life, having been a rancher on the plains, and captain of a volunteer regiment in the Philippines, whore he saw some military service. Air. Clotworthy has edited several papers in the Western States.

Mr. Franklin Alattliews (Louisiana) i? attached to the “New York Sun,” which has control of the Laffan News Bureau, which distributes nows to newspapers throughout the States. In addition to writing despatches, Mr. .Matthews has been writing long special articles, descriptive of the pi ices visited by the fleet. Those have been printed by a syndicate of about 30 of the largest papers formed by the “Sun.” Tho articles are printer simultaneously, and reach from five to eight million readers. Air. Matthews, who graduated at Cornell University, has been a member of the “Sun” staff for 20 years. He is nlso the author of several books of travel.

The Associated Press is represented by Lieutenant-Commander Fullinwider. of Admiral Sperry’s personal staff. The only other civilian attached to the fleet is Air. T. Dart Walker, who has quarters on the Kansas, a prominent wash artist in the United States, whose work is occasionally seen in the “Illustrated London News.”

BATTLESHIP PETS. A CURIOUS SPECTACLE. “Lord bless you, but he won’t hurt you; it’s only his fun.” Tlio remark, with an infliction of pity, tinged with contempt, came from one of tile bluejackets of the flagship, and was addressed to an early civilian visitor, who, poking round one of the ship ventilators, had, in the language of the stage, suddenly “discovered” a massive black hear sitting up on his haunches. The bear playfuly extended his arms, but the visitor avoided tlio embrace with a dextorious sprint that was rather remarkable in one of his years. “Not a bit of harm in him,” declared the bluejackets, and in proof of this assertion lie went up to the bear and tickled him under his chin. Bruin reciprocated tho endearment by waggishly hooking the sailor to him with one great hairy paw and licking his face. A crowd of other bluejackets gathered round, and engaed in a romp with tho bear, who seemed to enjoy it even more than they did. The Connecticut carries many pets, but Bruno the bear is first favorite. He was given to the men when the fleet was at Washington, and since then he ba6 made friends with everybody. He i 6 a North American black bear, is a year old, and weighs, one should imagine, about a couple of hundred pounds. iShip life evidently agrees with him, a 6 his spirits are boisterous and his health robust.

“He’s a whale on peanuts,” remarked one of the men, throwing a “fresh roasted,” which the gentle animal smartly caught in his cavernous mouth. “He’ll eat them all day if you give them to him.” When in port the shipk pet is fastened by a rope to something on tho deck, which is not liable to give way in a hurry, but when at 6ea ho is allowed a certain amount of liberty. It is then that the animal lets loose his ursine sense of humor, which includes a depraved taste for practical jokes, if some of his admirers on board are to be believed. Shortly after the ship left- Honolulu Bruno wandered one hot night on deck, where several of the men wore sleeping, covered with rugs. Tile bear, it is stated, calmly removed the rugs from each sleeper, and left them bare, 60 to speak. When the sleepers awoke, feeling chilly, they found the bear comfortably ensconced in a snug corner on a pile of rugs. The story, as it stands, has a distinctly American flavor. Bruno the other day showed tho strongest disinclination to being photo, graphed.’ He bolted as soon as lie spotted the camera, and neither blandishments nor lavish gifts of peanuts could coax him to the open space where lie was to sit. One of tho bluejackets, annoyed at. his perverseness, attempted to lug him out by force. But 2001 bof animated bear is no easy material-to deal with. Bnuio certainly came out into the open space—as a. matter.of fact he dragged the bluejacket there —and then and there engaged in a ludicrous wrestling match with his would-be “poser.” Sometimes tho bluejacket was on top, but oftener lie was underneath, with a list bear securing a clear, throw with a “half-Nelson.”

the men closed round and cheered tho contestants with impartial mirth. “Break!” they yelled, when the bear secured a flying fall, but .Bruno did not understand the phraseology of the prize ring, and steadily pursued his advantage. Then, when lie liad unmistakably won, he arose and shook himself, aud submitted with a very good grace to be photographed. The remainder of the Connecticut menagerie includes three dogs, several goats, and live cats. There was a monkey, hut he left (or was taken off) the ship at San Francisco. Of the dogs, "Jack,’ a non-description aninial, inclining to the fox terrier variety, is the popular pet. He weal’s i collar, with his name engraved oil it. and spends his time skylarking with the men." Jack,” for some deep canine reason, gives Bruno a wide berth.

With regard to tho battleships’ pets generally, it is interesting to learn that there is a hear on each, and some of them doubtless claim kinship with “Bruno” on the Connecticut. They were caught in the Sierras, and presented to tho fleet while it was at AVashington.