GREAT GRATIFICATION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9116, 16 June 1908, Page 5

GREAT GRATIFICATION.

AUCKLAND, June 15. In a letter forwarded to RearAdmirul Perry, t.ic U.S. Consul-Cen-tral, Mr Pickett writes:—"The people of New Zealand are txpressing great giatification on account of the visit ol the Ati.encan Fleet. You may be assured of a hearty, enthusiastic reception. The Mayor of Auckland has replied to the Prime Minister, agreeing, on behalf of the city, o pr <v di a flag, and asking Sir w iuniisli particulars, as to whether the Government had fixed upon any special vtyle. Auckland tradespeople will bq instructed to receive American currency at the rate of four shillings to the dollar, which will be redeemed later. PREPARATIONS AT KOTORUA. AUCKLAND, June 15. Mr Hamer returned from Kotorun, on Saturday night, and left for Wellington, yesterday, to confer with the Premier and Ministers on various matters in connection with the visit of the American Fleet. At Rotorua a programme has been arranged for 500 visito-s. The events wilt include the opening of the new bath houses in the sanatorium grounds, a number of characteristic native entertainments, and visits to the chief places of thermal activity. PALMERSTON N., June 15. Sir Joseph Ward told a " Manawatu Times" repoiter that it was considered probable that the southern visitors to Auckland, during the visit of the American fleet, would be conveyed right through by the Main Trunk route. The only serious obstacle will be an unfinished bridge. It is intended that if this cannot be crossed, a train will run to eafch side, the passengers walking across and continuing the journey on the other side.