THE NEW ZEALANDERS' VISIT.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14583, 6 February 1913, Page 7

THE NEW ZEALANDERS' VISIT.

PATRIOTIC ADDRESSES

(By Cable.—p ress Association.-Copyri.ht.) LONDON, February 4. Speaking during the visit of inspection to tho battleship New Zealand. Tho Hon. T. Mackonzio said ho was proud to have been a member of Sir Joseph Ward's Government, which had tendered this ship to the Empire. The throe "lymphads," or ships on New Zealand's coat of arms might bo taken to typify Drake's Revenge, Anson's Centurion, and Jialsoy's New Zealand, but whereas tho two former were buccaneers, Captain Halsoy was a man of peace and goodwill. They wero proud of the fact that New Zealand was tho first of tho oversea Dominions to make a definite offer of ships. Australia quickly followed, then Canada, and the Malay States, and ho w-as suro that South Africa, India and others would do their part. The New Zealand's voyage would be a great demonstration. It showed Britain that by trusting the oversea Dominions and giving them the power of self-government and the privilege of working out their own destinies, she received the oversea Dominions' spontaneous support, whereas when sho attempted to force on the United States a contribution towards defence, sho lost that possession. The voyage ivas also an indication to envious rivals that tho Mother Country should not bo threatened and menaced without their having to reckon with tho daughter States, for tho words "Hands off" would come from the cannon's mouth on behalf of tho daughters. Tho New Zealand typified tho power of the Empiro on the sea, and New Zealand and tie other Dominions were exceedingly anxious that tho Navy of the Empiro should be equal to any challenge. They did not wish to become pawns on the world's chessboard.

The Hon. James Allen said that if the Mother Country needed more assistance, New Zealand would givo it. They were determined to keep tho flag flying on tho seas over the whole world, and were anxious that the Pacific should bo as safo as the Atlantic and the North Sea. Ho hoped the colonies in tho Pacific would put their heads together to ensure that safety. New Zealand would not bo satisfied until sho had more ships and more New Zealand bluejackets. They considered it insufficient to sacrifice material only to tho Empire's needs, but must also givo men who would bo forthcoming when they could afford it.

Sir George Reid was confined to his bed with influenza, and cancelled all engagements.

As the King's visit of inspection to tho battleship New Zealand on Ash Wednesday is to be semi-private, there will bo no guard of honour and only one reporter and ono photographer.