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This film is one of a number taken by James McDonald of events during the week’s stay in Auckland by the 16 warships of THE GREAT WHITE FLEET. The inclusion of the shot of the limelight camera team of the Salvation Army marks the arrival of the New Zealand official cameraman, who is taking over from the Salvation Army camera team, who until now had filmed on contract important events for the New Zealand Government.
The Great White Fleet of 16 white and gold battleships of the United States Navy steamed into Auckland at 8:00am on 9 August 1908, watched by thousands of New Zealanders who crowded every vantage point.
‘It was a glorious morning... The great white ships, coming slowly round the head in single file.’
The film is of the official landing and presentation to Rear Admiral Sperry on 10 August 1908. Admiral Sperry and his officers were welcomed by the PM Sir Joseph Ward and the Chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board and addresses of welcome and presentations were made, before Admiral Sperry and his officers were driven through cheering crowds up Queen Street to the Drill Hotel for a reception by the City of Auckland.
I imagine he would have taken film of the arrival of the Fleet as they sailed into Auckland Harbour on 9 August 1908. He filmed the official landing and later that same day (10 August) filmed BOYS OF KINGS COLLEGE, AUCKLAND MARCHING (AT THE DOMAIN) DURING VISIT OF AMERICAN FLEET(see AD 12/238). Later that week McDonald travelled with a party of American officers to Rotorua and filmed them visiting the scenic attractions. This was shown by FULLERS WORLD WIDE PICTURES at the Theatre Royal in Wellington as AMERICAN OFFICERS VISIT TO ROTORUA and acknowledged that this was ‘by arrangement with Tourists Department’ (EIGHTY YEARS OF FILM EXHIBITION in Wellington Part Nine: 1908, Clive Sowry, March 1980.)
Films survive from this period that can be attributed to McDonald. The report of the Tourist and Health Resorts for 1909 emphasised this new role, ‘that greater attention’ has been paid to the securing of kinematograph pictures. A number of these have been sent to the High Commission in London; also to the Melbourne office where arrangements have been made for their exhibition’ (AJHR appendix 1909, H-2 p6) In addition McDonald was kept busy providing photographs of New Zealand scenes for Tourists pamphlets and illustrated magazine articles. A good deal of this class of advertising had already been done by the Department, with excellent results.
The Department published pamphlets on New Zealand Tourists and Health Resorts and Superland, The Marlborough Sounds and Nelson and issued 10,037 photographs for the purpose of illustrating newspaper articles published abroad, and for exhibiting in shipping offices, steamer saloons, and other places where they will be brought under the notice of travellers. In addition 3,331 lantern slides were issued for lecture purposes. The work of James McDonald was central to this effort and 1908 marks when he came into his own, as the first official New Zealand Government photographer and film cameraman.
WS GV Sir Joseph Ward, Rear Admiral Admiral Charles S. Sperry and various naval officers and government officials walking through archway (made of cabbage trees and raupo over scaffolding) saluting guard of honour - followed by parade of American naval personnel.
MS GV American naval officers crowding into gazebo and listening to speaker (obscured by gazebo pole) - crowd stands near gazebo.
MS PAN L Across crowd of American naval officers standing near gazebo - Film crew stand in FG removing film box and adjusting camera - elderly men [veterans] wearing medals stand in BG.
MS PAN L Across crowd below gazebo where various dignitaries stand - American officer [Sperry] speaks to crowd.
MS Māori elders in cloaks and top hats ascending steps to gazebo and greeting Rear Admiral Sperry.
MS Sir Joseph Ward speaking with Rear Admiral and presenting him with gift - people in crowd doffing hats.
MS GV Sir Joseph Ward leading crowd in three cheers and holding gift aloft in front of Rear Admiral Sperry.
MS GV Dignitaries mingling in gazebo and descending steps - wives in fabulous hats, men in cocked hats.
WS GV Large crowds on Queen street near arch with SIGN “Welcome” - horse drawn carriages carrying elderly men in uniform struggling to pass through throngs of people.
WS Trams moving below arch with SIGN “Welcome” on Queen street - crowds standing on roadside.
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/new-zealand-herald/1908/8/10/9
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/new-zealand-herald/1908/8/12/10
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/new-zealand-herald/1908/8/10/10