"SEE THE PACIFIC SAFE."

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIX, Issue 51, 7 February 1913, Page 6

"SEE THE PACIFIC SAFE."

OUR PREADNOUGHT. NEW ZEALAND'S AIM. LONDON, Feb. 3. Three hundred New Zealanders inspected the battleship New Zealand. Sir George lleid (Australian High Commissioner) was absent through influenza. Mr Cathoart Wason (Liberal M.P. for Orkney and Shetland and an ex-member of the New Zealand Parliament) and Admiral Sir Wilmot Fawkes (ex-Commander in Chief of the Australian station) were present. Miss Mackenzie (daughter of the High Commissioner) unveiled the coat of arms which supported the tablet inscribed, "Tasman, 1642; Cook, 1769." Hon. T. Mackenzie (High Commissioner) said) he was proud that New Zealand had led the way. He referred to Australian and Canadian assistance to the Empire and hoped that South Africa would soon follow. New Zealand was anxious that the Empire's Navy should bo equal to any challenge and wanted Great Britain to feel that she was with her to the extent of her ability.

Captain Halsey (who will command the vessel) in-accepting the gift, congratulated New Zealand on being the first to give the Empire a ship. He trusted that if ever they were called upon to perform the duty for which the vessel was built the crew would maintain the honor placed in their hands.

Hon. James Allen (New Zealand Minister for Defence) said that New Zealand would cheerfully give further help and meant to see the Pacific safe. He hoped that the other countries there woukl combine to make it so. New Zealand would not be satisfied until she was able to provide men as well as money and ships. Sir R, Solomou (High Commissioner for South Africa) congratulated New Zealand on her practical loyalty. The visit of the vessel to Table Bay would help the South Africans' growing feeling towards co-operation. A silver cup for boats' crew competitions and a portrait of the late Hon. R. J, Seddon were presented on behalf of Mrs Seddon.

Governor was the guest of the New Zealand Club at luncheon Yesterday (says a Press Association" telegram). His Excellency spoke on "The absolute necessity of sea power to a nation that has oversea dominions." He gave an interesting outline of the development of British sea power from the days of Pitt the younger, "the Great Commoner," and the true founder of British supremacy at sea, to the state of affairs to-day, demonstrating from the lessons of history the necessity for the maintenance of the dominion over the sea, MOTHERLAND AND COLONIES. LONDON. Feb. 4. Speaking during the visit of inspection to the battleship New Zealand, Hon. T. .Mackenzie (New Zealand's High Commissioner) said he was proud to have been a member of Sir Joseph Ward's Government, The coat of arms might be taken to typify Drake's Revenge, Anson's Centurion and Halsey's New Zealand. Whereas the former were buccaneers, Commander Halsey was a man of peace and goodwill. They were proud that New Zealand was the first to make a definite offer. Austral Ha quickly followed, then Canada and the Malay States; and he was sure that South Africa, India and the others would do their part. The NewZealand's voyage would be a great demonstration. It showed England that by trusting the overseas dominions and giving them the power of self-govern-ment and the privilege of working out their own destinies that she received the overseas dominions' spontaneous support, whereas when she attempted to force on the United States a contribution towards defence she lost possession. The voyage was also an indication to envious rivals that the Mother Country should not he threatened and menaced without their having to reckon with the daughter States, for the words "Hands off!" would come fron* the cannons mouths on behalf of the daughters. The New Zealand typified the power of the Empire on the sea. New Zealand and others were exceedingly anxious that the Navy of the Empire should be equal to any challenge. They did not wish to become pawns on the chessboard. Hon. James Allen (Xew Zealand Minister for Defence) said if the Mother Country needed more Now Zealand would give it. They were determined to keep the flag "flying on the seas over the whole world and were anxious that the Pacific should be as safe as the Atlantic and the North Sea. He hoped that the colonies in the Pacific would put their beads together to ensure its safety. New Zealand would not be satisfied until she had more ships and more New Zealand bluejackets. They considered it insufficient to sacrifice material only to the Empire's needs, but they must also give men who would be forthcoming when they could afford it. THE KING'S VISIT. LONDON, Feb. 4.

As the King's visit of inspection to the battleship New Zealand on Ash TTednesday is to be semi-private there will be no guard of 'honor and only one reporter and one photographer.