UNITED STATES FLEET.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2219, 17 June 1908, Page 3

UNITED STATES FLEET.

BOXING ENTERTAINMENTS. THE AUCKLAND" CHAMPIONSHIPS... [Si-KCiAt, to “Times.”] AUCKLAND. Juno 10. At a meeting of the Northern -Boxing Association last evening it -was considered that as boxing is a- favorite sport with tho men of the American fleet, it was advisable, seeing that so many bluejackets and visitors would be in :tho city, to make efforts to hold two aftornoon and two evening tournaments, otherwise it -would .lie impossible lor ninny to seo tho sport, and disappointment would naturally arise. With a view of guarding against such a contingency it was suggested- that if tho Garrison Hall could bo secured for two days the Auckland provincial championships might he fixed for those dates and tho championship events, if interspersed with matches between members of the fleet, would provide Igr four entertainments, -which would bo ■greatly appreciated by the visitors in tho event of bad weather putting a stop to outdoor sports.

THE ROTORUA TRIP. OPENING OF NEW BATH-HOUSE. [Press Association.] AUCKLAND, June 16. Air. T. E. Donne stated to-day.that preparations for tlio visit of the officers of the American licet to the llot Lukes district are well under wav. Oil tlio Thursday a visit will ho paid to OliinemutiU native village, and that morning the now Rotorua bath-houses will be officially opened by tlie Primo Minister. This will be -followed by a drive to AVliakarewarewa, where tlio AVniroa -geyser will be “played” for the benefit of the party. A largo number of Maori guides under the control of IALi-ggie -Pnpakura have been fold off to conduct the visitors round the sights, ami a Maori entertainment will he hold in the evening. Trips for individual parties have been arranged to AVairoa, Tiki tore, Wai-maii-gu, and on Lake llotorua. On Friday the visitors return to Auckland. COST OF ENTERTAINING. GOViBBNiAUIDNT SUBSIDIES. [Press Association.] AUCKLAND, June 16. The Executive Committee that is arranging -for the visit of the American fleet has been in communication with Sir Joseph Ward with regard to tho programme to he carried out under the direction of -he citizens, and they indicated that In view of the large luimlbor of men from the fleet who would require entertaining, at least £I3OOO would be required by the Citizens Committee, irrespective oftlio Government programme. They pointed out that the local bodies had voted £3OOO, and that, the citizens had very:-willingly agreed to considerable expense in illuminations and decorations, and they suggested that the Government, as this was a Dominion invitation, should subsidise the local bodies’ grants to tlie extent of £ for £, making up the. £6OOO required. Sir Joseph has telegraphed that the matter is being considered by tlie Cabinet, and also that the citizens’ programme had been approved and that the required subsidies will be granted.