OUR AUSTRALIAN VISITORS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 205, 31 August 1933, Page 6

OUR AUSTRALIAN VISITORS.

New Zealanders are keenly interested in all that concerns the Navy, but they do not often have the opportunity of welcoming visiting Empire warships. This is especially true of the naval units of the Australian Commonwealth. Indeed, when one reflects how close New Zealand is to Australia it is astonishing how seldom the Australian flag has been seen in these waters. The present visit •of Australian warships is welcome for two reasons —because it gives us an opportunity of showing our common interest in all that concerns the naval defence of our shores, and because it is a link between two sister Dominions. Although politically we are outside the Commonwealth, yet we are joined to it by the ties of a kinship that is united rather than severed by the sea that washes our shores. For this sea is a defence, and behind the sure shield of the Navy we have grown to man's estate. It is years since we had the privilege of welcoming an Australian warship, and it would be a good thing if there were more of these visits. They would help us to realise the meaning of sea power and how closely our interests are bound up with those of the: Commonwealth. Australia's destiny is our I own. New Zealand extends a heartfelt !

welcome to her kinsmen from across the Tasman, visible emblems not only of sea but of general Empire tradition and brotherhood, and looks forward to this visit being the precursor of many others. As the immediate host, Auckland joins in this welcome, and hopes that all ranks will thoroughly enjoy their visit to this port.