UNITED STATES FLEET.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2214, 11 June 1908, Page 3

UNITED STATES FLEET.

' DISPOSITION OF WARSHIPS. LACROSSE PLAYERS. Press Association. AUCKLAND, Juno 10. The warships in port on tho occasion of tho visit of the American fleet will ho disposed in two lines,; tlho inner lino having three. British vessels in tho centro and four Amercan vessels. Each end of tho second lint would consist of eight American vessels. . , There are three teams of lacrosse players on the American fleet. Ihe Auckland Lacrosse Association -lvas approadhod tho Entertainment Committee with tho view of arranging a game between the fleet representatives and rpresentatives of tho Auckland or Dominion team.

QUESTION OF FOOD SyPPLY. HOTEL ACCOMMODATION. (Snecial to “Times.”) AUCKLAND, Juno 10. The question of food-supplies likely to be required 'for Auckland; during Elect Week is ono pf .-interest.. If it wore only tho men of -the fleet iwlio had to be catoi'ed for tho local 'provisions supply would bo very little affected except as regards fresh fruit and vegetables, because tho American, fleet is practically a self-coaling and victualling one. , All kinds of provisions will he much in request, and tlho local provision market® will have to meet the requirements of perhaps ten or twelve thousand additional people. As far as eggs, butter, and general groceries aro concerned, there -is not' likely to bo eithor a shortage or advance in charges. In fact, this branch of tho commissariat could easily stand a greater call upon it than is likely to be made during the fleet’s visit. The only appreciable difference, if there is any, may ibe in tho egg market. There is usually a big drop in the price of eggs in August, when they come down to about their lowest, but this year, in consequence of the increased demand, 4he fall in price will probably be retarded till after the fleet’s departure. Butter is not likeily to be affected. Some of tho Dairy Associations and butter factories will be open in August, and there is always a large quantity of butter in- cold storage sufficient to meet any demand. Last week there were 20,110 boxes, or 502 tons, in storage. As- regards other provisions there is alw lys on hand a stock of sufficient for,-a much larger crowd than is likely to bo in Auckland during Fleet Week. There is a sufficient surplus stock of groceries available to feed the whole of the fleet and the visitors to Auckland for a month, if necessary. Inquiries at the leading hotels elicit tho information that already the booking has keen very heavy in anticipation of the fleet’s visit, and that practically all the available accommodation has been secured. For the list few weeks letters and telegrams reserving rooms for Fleet Week ha ve been recived from all parts of the Dominion. It is not so easy to ascertain what boarding-house accommodation has been secured. The Government Commissioner will proceed to -Rotorua as soon as practicable in order to assist in- the arrangements thero for the visit of the Admiral and officers. It is understood that there will be ample hotel and boarding-house accommodation at Itotorua for the visitors. The United States Consul-General (Mr. W. A. Piiickitt) wrote to Admiral Sperry by to-day’s mail forwarding, in response to the Admiral’s request, a-"chart of the Auckland harbor supplied- by the harbormaster (Captain Diuder), and a plan- of tho south shore of Auckland harbor, showing ithe boat landings. - Mr. Prickett is also-enclosing, for the Admiral’s information the proposed programme of : festivities to be tendered the fleet. The members of the Auckland Harbor Board were far from unanimous iii' regard to a motion moved by Mr. Dacre, “that with a view to displaying the capacity of our harbor, and viewing the American fleet, the Government be requested-to throw open Alt. Victoria, Devonport, and the North Head to the public.” Mr. Dacre said that if Mt. Victoria. and the North- Head were thrown open it would .give .the public an excellent opportunity of viewing the arrival of the fleet. Mr. Napier, in seconding the motion, said it was wellknown that there was one gun on Mt. Victoria. The Government had S#toly slhowu-a proper disposition in this matter at Wellington by consenting to give the public access to the road around the fortifications there. Whilst the_ Government had been refusing to give honest people the right to go on such property they had- allowed the privilege to prisoners who would bo willing to sell any information that they might thereby acquire for perhaps a pint of beer. Mr. Kneen opposed the motion. Whilst he said he was in favor Of extending a hearty hospitality to the American fleet, he failed to see why they should allow visitors who would be possibly carrying cameras to have access to the North Hoad, and to take observations of our'-fortifications; and to go to the top of Mt. Victoria -and from there take a survey of the whole of the harbor. He was surprised that such a thing .should be advocated by an export in naval and military matters like Mr. Napier. Mr. Napie.r: They aro our own kith and lcin. ■Mr. Kneen : We do not know what may happen in four or five years’ time. They may then be our enemies- . • Mr. Napier: They will never bo enemies. Air. Kneen said he could not see why we should give these people an ooportunity of seeing our fortifications. Air. Napier: We have a hundred criminals there.

•Mr. Knecn : Yes; but criminals are not allowed to have cameras and to take snapshots cv the fortifications. A PEACE CRUISE. ‘FIGHT IF, NECESSARY.” United Press Association—Copyright. '(Received June 11, 12.5 a.m.) FREMANTLE, June 10. News by the mail states that Admiral Evans, in the course of his reu a riot at a farewell dinner prior to the licet leaving San Francisco, said, :, If you ask me why the fleet is sent to the Pacific, I can only say I was told to bring it here. When about to start I was assured by the President and the Secretary of the Navy that it was purely a .peace, cruise, hut f must be prepared to fight if necessary.” ,