AN HISTORIC EPOCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 101, 29 April 1913, Page 5

AN HISTORIC EPOCH.

WHAT THE SHIP STANDS FOR.

WELCOME TO FUTURE NAVAL BASE

I The steam pin nance brought OaptHal&ey and Commander Grace to the landing stage through scores of mosquito craft laden with cheering people. They were escorted to the daie, and were officially welcomed by the Harbour Board. "In the records of the Port of Auckland then; are several events of outstanding interest," began the chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr J. H. Gunson), in extending to Captain Halaey and his •officers the greetings of the port authorities. "A reference to the past brings to mind the visit to these waters in 1869 of the Flying Squadron that brought His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh to our shores. In those relatively distant days such a visit was of much significance. The visit in 1901 of His Majesty the King an 3 Her Majesty the Queen —at that time Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York —made a profound impression upon our people, and is still vividly remembered by those who joined in the welcome accorded to our Royal visitors. Again it seems as yesterday that the sixteen ships of the Great White Fleet of our sister nation lay quietly at anchor in the waters of our -Harbour. Inat, too, was a memorable occasion which- we often recall with pride and pleasure. To-day we celebrate an epoehmarking event. We are here to receive Captain Halsey and the officers and men of the great battleship that bears the name of this Dominion. (Loud applause.) The circumstances connected with the adrent of ;this great ship are well known to us all. We welcome our visitors for three reasons: (1) Because the ship is a worthy representative of that matchless Britten "Navy, whi* stands as a guarantee of peace amongst nations; (2) Because this splendid battleship is a pledge and sign of New Zealand's loyalty and devotion to /« tj OWD alld *° the Empire: (3) Because British saaors worthy of their highest .traditions have brought the ship to our waters. Bis prope V that the shouts of welcome be partieularlv cordial and spontaneous from the Port of Auckland: for, whatever the future may hold in store, it is at this port that the great naval base of the Southern Pacific is to 'be established. Wβ have now the' nucleus of a station, acd we are pared, undei the direction of our own Government and the Imperial authorities, and at any reasonable sacrifice,: to make complete what has already been begun.' "In the days to come," Mr. Gunson continued,' "rapid changes will take place in the Pacific, and. although ours is, geographically, a small country, yet it is to us our all, and a not . inconsiderable unit of the great Empire of .which we , form a part. It is our duty to anticipate the. rapidly : altering conditions around -us. and to be prepared, if need arises, to defend our shores. (Applause.) Captain Halsey, we desire, to extend to you, to your officers, and to your men, the most cordial welcome of which we are capable. We have British blood in out , veins. You will therefore find, although thousands of miles separate you from your own .kith .and kin, that the.re-is astrong bond- of- friendship and loyalty be-, tween this new land and the old. You will find here a people loyal, true, and; kind-hearted.' -" Wei' -trust that, while, your great ship lies quietly at anchor in the waters of the Waitemata, you one and all will have a right royal time* This is but a 'beginning of our welcome, and you will find every succeeding-part of it equally cordial and sincere. We hope that your visit to Auckland, as_ well as to the other ports of the Dominion, will be of a most pleasurable and profitable character. We trust that the armaments of your fine ship will never be brought into under conditions of actual warfare the necessity arise, we know^^k— J* M.s. New Zealand will worthily upuSSWje highest traditions and the noblest records of the British Navy." (Applause and cheers.).;