THE WHITE ARMADA

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2270, 15 August 1908, Page 2

THE WHITE ARMADA

THE LAST DAY. AN OFFICERS’ “AT HOME.” [Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 14. Another beautiful day favored the fleet festivities, the chief of which was the oiiicers’ At Home on the Louisiana, two tluisaiul persons being invited. Admiral Sperry returns from Rotorua in time to attend the function. For tlie men of the fleet, a general sports programme, including football, hockey, and baseball, is proceeding at the Domain this afternoon. Everything continues to contribute to the glorious' success of floet week. The weather is perfect. Last night’s incidents culminated in a splendid supplementary. The Americans had a jolly inarch with a flag, and two British bluejackets set off with a New Zealand flag and singing “Sons of the Sea.” The crowd (juickly grew to hundreds and then to thousands and ‘“Sons of the Sea” was enthusiastically suiig, while cheering and coun-ter-cheering, all in the best humor, kept up a thrill of excitement. There was a big invitation gathering aboard the Louisiana this (liternoon. The Rotorua party return at 3.50 this afternoon, and this concludes the round of festivities in the memorable visit to the Dominion. The great White Fleet is now being painted a dark grey. The Mayor, in a letter to the United States Consul-General, conveys his congratulations upon the order, good conduct, and sobriety of the thousands of men ashore from the fleet during the week. The behaviour of the men, lie says, has been most exemplary, reflecting the highest credit upon the fleet. Admiral Poore writes to the Mayor expressing the grateful thanks of the officers and men for Auckland generous hospitality. He pays a sincere tribute to the arrangements made, and assures the committee the celebrations will long be remembered with great pleasure.