This is a picture of the mighty Great White Picture Fleet at anchor in Auckland
The landing ceremonies involved more than 20,00 people in Auckland's main thoroughfare, Queen Street, near the wharf. The buildings of the city were decorated with American and British bunting. Blue laws were suspended during the week of the visit as Americans and the military of the Dominion celebrated the visit together.
A picture looking up Queen Street
The Fleet sailor was received with open arms in Auckland. People went out of their way to show them a good time at every turn. Over forty thousand picture postcards were mailed from a special Queen Street post office open only to sailors, and this figure represented only a portion of their total mailings because of the many other post offices. The news media noted that the American propensity to send postcards was "the advertisement of New Zealand."
A picture of Queen Street
These buildings, decorated for the Fleet's visit, show the extent to which the City of Auckland went to greet the sailors of the American Fleet.
A picture of the Strand Arcade
A picture of the illuminated Post Office
The welcome arch on lower Queen Street was one of the main attractions and gathering places during the fleet's visit to Auckland to meet sailors and watch them march past during the parade.
Some more pictures of Queen St
These postcards show Admiral Sperry's arrival
American Flagship and battleships in Auckland Harbor 9 August 1908
The Fleet launches landing at Auckland
A superb picture of the illuminated battleships in Auckland
This is in my humble opinion a fine photograph of the Fleet in front of Rangitoto Island a landmark of Auckland and its Harbour.
Regards
Sean
