TRAFALGAR DAY.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15396, 29 September 1915, Page 9

TRAFALGAR DAY.

IsrEciAt, to "the rniss."}

DUNEDIN, September 28. Tho local secretary of the Navy * League says tho Otayo branch of the Leaguo will honour the day as usual, and in harmony with the circular of tho General Secretary of the Navy Leaguo. "The decision not to celebrate Trafalgar Day out of respect for French sentiment," ho adds, referring to tho Christchurch City Council's rosolniion, "betrays so unpardonable an ignorance, of that sentiment, and of the whole spirit of the day, that I am disposed to think there must be some error in the Christchurch message." xo riiK >:niToit of "ttik tress." Sir,—There is apparently some ig- ," uoranco as to why the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar is "observed by the Navy League, consequently I am enclosing copy of a circular "issued by the Head Office in London in connexion with this year's proceedings, which my "committee would be glad to have published for the information of your readers. —Yours, etc., C. J. TRKLEAVKN, Secretary, tho Naw League, Canterbury (N.Z.) Branch. , September l!Sth.* (Enclosure.) The General Secretary's circular is as follows:— _ ''The -Executive Committee of the Navy League has decided that the celobration of Trafalgar Day on October '21st next shall bo organised with the object of doiny honour to tho British Fleet and the fleets of our Allies', and that tho anniversary shall bo made tho occasion of a national tribute to the magnificent work which the Sea Power of the Quadruple Entente has achieved during the present war. "It has been arranged that tho Nolson Column in Trafalgar isquare shall be decorated as in previous years, with appropriate wreaths commemorative of tho gallant deeds of the Britiah Nary, to which will be added appropriate floral tributes to our chivalrous enemies of a former lime who arc our comrades in arms to-day.

"Wreaths will also bo placed upon the pedestal of the Trafalgar Column to the memory of the officers and men of each shin !o->t, in the present war. "Everytliinsr possible will be done to make the anniversary one which wil' stimulate nntional patriotic effort, and wlvicl) will hriiur more closely to the heart* and'thoughts of our peonle their entire* fleoendenee for their Imperial safety and Cot the prestige of the British name upon the maintenance, of l>»itish sea power in co-ooeration with the »ca power of our Allies in this war."

to nu: KMTore ov "tde raEss." Sir. —In reference to tho recent du«»; cu>s.ion in the City Council in connexion with Trafalgar Day. I should like | ■to point out that the Council was Bim•ply.asked f<" the uso of «on>e Venetian j mast*. It an opinion had been aaked j as to the propriety of the proposed j

celebrations, amplo reason would ha T © been given. This year the effect of the day is to honour, not only tho memory of Nelson, but also tho British Fleet, and the fleets of our Allies. Besides the hoisting of Nelson's great signal, the masts arc to bo used for tho display of wreaths, of which it is to be expected, that a largo number will be sent this year to the memory of the gallant sailors of England, Franco and Spain, who fell at Trafalgar, as well as to the memory of our own sailors and thoso of our Allies who have, been killed during the present war. I will venture to Boy that there is not a single Frenchman or Frenchwoman who would tako exception to such a celebration. French officers, who passed through Trafalgar square some few years ago, had their carriages stopped in order that they might salute Nelson. Apart from the resDcct which they pay to a gallant and honourable foe. the French realise that Nelson's victory gave to Britain the sea-power from "which they themselves are now deriving immense ad vantage.—Yours, etc.. T. 0. It. BLUNT. September L'Bth. to the xnrron or "the rnxss." Sir, —T am more than astonished at the action of the City Council in refusing to celebrate, or thinking it inadvisable to celebrate, Trafalgar Day during the continuance of the war. Such action would tend to show, either that wo an« very far removed from tho centre of tho world, whore these matters are understood, or from not being in touch with other nations are not ablo to appreciate their finer feelings. It is only a few years since Admiral Lamprier." in command of tho French Fleet, which was at Spithead. on being entertained in London with tho officers of that fleet, and on passing Nelson's Column in Trafalcar square, called the procession to halt while he and his brother officers removed their hat« in honour to our great Admiral. Again, may I mention that we of the Navy League, both at Home and abroad, wish, on October 21st, to honour tho brave of France, Spain, and England, and wreaths are sent, and will be this year, in honour of each of those countries. Our object this year is to provide funds for the sick and disabled sailors in our several fleets at Home, and so I trust nothin-g will hinder this laudable purpose.— Yours, etc.. E. ELIOT CHAMBERS, Hon. Lecturer, Navy League, Canterbury.