WELCOME VISITORS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 March 1941, Page 5

WELCOME VISITORS

AMERICAN WARSHIPS AT AUCKLAND. ENTERTAINMENT OF OFFICERS & MEN. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, March 17. Symbolising the new tie of common purpose which binds the United States and the British Commonwealth, a tie made all the stronger by President Roosevelt’s historic speech of two days' ago, a squadron of six American warships entered Auckland harbour this afternoon to the thunder of saluting guns for a brief visit of two days. The squadron comprises the two ultramodern cruisers Brooklyn (flagship) and Savannah, and the Sixth Destroyer Division, consisting of the destroyers Case, Cummings, Tucker and Shaw. It is commanded by Captain Ellis S. Stone, of the Brooklyn, and the total complement of the six ships is approximately 2300. The cruisers berthed at King’s Wharf and the destroyers at Western Wharf. Formal calls were exchanged by Captain Stone with representatives of the Government. fighting services and local authorities and shore leave was granted to a large proportion of the ships’ companies. The people of Auckland will have an opportunity to greet the visitors collectively at midday tomorrow, when there will be a ceremonial march up Queen Street to a civic welcome outside the Town Hall. A State dinner will be held at the Grand Hotel at night. Two parties of 500 officers and men will visit Rotorua tomorrow, and on Wednesday as guests of the Government, and two parties of 250 each will be taken on sight-seeing trips near the city. Dances are to be held in the Town Hall tomorrow night and Wednesday night. The squadron will leave port on Thursday.

EXCHANGE OF MESSAGES PREMIER AND COMMANDER. WELLINGTON, This Day. Messages were exchanged yesterday between the Prime Minister. Mr Fraser, and the commander of' the visiting United States squadron. Captain Ellis S. Stone, of the cruiser Brooklyn. Mr Fraser’s message said: “On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand, I extend to you, your officers and your ships’ companies, the warmest of welcomes to New Zealand. We are looking forward to meeting you and greeting you as representatives of that great and powerful nation which is doing so much for us in our struggle for freedom and democracy, and we hope that your stay with us will be enjoyable and fruitful.” Captain Stone replied: “The commander, officers and men of this squadron acknowledge with the deepest appreciation your most cordial message oi welcome. Bound as our two peoples are by the ties of common blood and common interest, we are most grateful for the opportunity to visit the country whose armed forces are daily adding to the laurels of their glorious past. Your hospitality is traditional in my service. We who are here now feel privileged indeed to pay our respects to you and through you to the people of New Zealand."