H.M.S NEW ZEALAND

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 77, 1 April 1913, Page 5

H.M.S NEW ZEALAND

A NAVAL WELCOME RECORD TRIP FROM AFRICA. 1 IBy Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright) MELBOURNE, March 31. The arrival of tbe battleship New Zealand created considerable interest. Many small craft went out, and hovered about the visitor. The Australian destroyers, Parramatta, Yarra, and Warrego, met the New Zealand 10 miles down Hobson's Bay, and dipped their flags. The members of the Naval Board and the cruiser Melbourne's officers went aboard at an early hour, and the decks contained an impressive assemblage of naval men. Coaling will begin to-morrow, and will occupy three days. The festivities in connection with the visit of the New Zealand will take place on Friday. During her voyage from Durban the New Zealand averaged 16 knots an hour for 16 days. This is a record for the route. GREATEST FIGHTING SHIP THAT EVER CROSSED THE LINE (Received 8.20 a.m.) MELBOURNE, this day. The newspapers refer to the New Zealand as the greatest fighting vessel that ever crossed the line. She welcomed the destroyers with the signal, "Thank you for coming to meet US." The destroyers replied, "Glad to do so." Immediately after anchoring, calls were exchanged between the captains of the New Zealand and the Melbourne. Captain Halsey also visited Rear-Admiral Creswell and Mr. Tudor.