VISIT OF BATTLE-CRUISERS.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17940, 7 December 1923, Page 8

VISIT OF BATTLE-CRUISERS.

CLAIMS OF SOUTH ISLAND PORTS. The visit of the British b attic-cruisers* AV-aa discussed by the Canterbury branch of the Navy League last night. The president, Mr J. J. Dougall, thought that Lyttelton" harbour would accommodate one 01- perhaps both of the big ships. A resolution should be passed expressing the appreciation of the League at the action of the Admiralty in sending the squadron to New Zealand, but regretting that the two battle-cruisers would not visit the South Island, and urging that in the interests of the children, one or both of these shipa shouid come to Lyttelton. He thought that the South island was being neglected. Several members spoke, and the hope was expressed that the stay of the light cruisers in Lyttelton would be prolonged. It was decided to send the resolution to the Acting Prime Minister and to vhe Mayors of Canterbury. With regard to the recent cabled news that the battle-cruisers Hood and Repulse would riot/visit Lyttelton, Mr Cyrus J. R. Williams, engjweer and secretary of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, said that both vessels could be berthed at Lyttelton. The port could take vessels drawing up to 30ft of water, and there was no difficulty in berthing IJ.M.S. Renown when sh? was at Lyttelton.