THE SERVICE SQUADRON

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 183, 29 April 1924, Page 8

THE SERVICE SQUADRON

ROUTE MARCH THROUGH CITY GOVERNOR-GENERAL TAKES THE SALUTE A STIRRING PARADE

A spectacular event in the Special Service Squadron’s

was done with a promptness and piecision which plainly proved that the men of the Navy know then diill just as well, if not a little tetter, than the m Jon land.. Markers were sent out and upon these the various companies fell in with clock-like precisionwas a treat to watch the fixing bayonets, the movement being carried out by each company as if by F. A. Buckley squadron gunnery officer, of H.M.S. Hood, was in charge of the parade which numbered 50 officers and 1200 men, made up as follow: —Two companies from H.M-S. Hood; two companies from H.M.S. Repulse, under Lieut.Commander C. E. Morgan; a machinegun company, from both warships; a company from H.M.A.S. Adelaide; medical corps and stretcher-bearers; two field guns (12-pounders) ; two companies of Royal Marines, under Captain C. W. Adair, of H.M.S. Repulse. Headed by the band of'H.M.S Hood, the brigade moved off in column of route, the march presenting an inspiring spectacle, w.aich called up enthusiastic cheering from the school children lining the roadside on Waterloo Quay. The route was by way of Bunny Street, past Parliament House, where the salute was takeq by His .Excellency the Governor-General (Viscount Jellicoe), who had with him at the saluting base the .Prime Minister (Right Hon. W. F. Massey), members of the Cabinet, and representatives of the New Zealand sea and land forces. A company from H.M.S. Chatham and the band of H.M.S Repulse formed the guard of honour. All along Lambton Quay, Willis Strset, Upper Willis Street, along Vivian Street, down Cuba Street, Lower Cuba Street, Jervois Quay, and Customhouse Quay the line of route was crowded with dense masses of spectators, who admired the businesslike way in which the seamen and marine, swung along. The balconies and rooftops were black with people, who gazed with interest upon this close-up view of the men upon whose readiness depends the safety of this isolated portion of the British Empire. Favourable comment was passed on tho stamp of men revealed toy the inarch. The seamen looked the embodiment of action. The Royal Marines, it was noticeable, were a bigger stamp of men than the seamen. On the other hand, the company from H.M.A.S. Adelaide were smaller than the men who composed the Australian divisions which fought in . the Great War. The officers, marching nt the head of their jompanies, gave the impression of dependability. The two 12-pounder guns were handy little pieces, light and mobile, which could be used as 18-pounders should necessity arise.

There was not a great deal of cheering, but New Zealand people are known not to be demonstrative. Here and there along the line of march heartv hand-clapping broke out. Tt was clear, however, that pride was the dominant feeling as the crowd silently watched the long line of Britain’s handy men file past. The streets were gay with bunting in honour of the fleet’s visit, and a brave show was made in Cuba Street, which, with its sidewalks densely lined with people, presented a most animated sight as the parade swung past. There was some misunderstanding as to the programme to he carried out on the march. It had been announced that the salute would be taken at Parliament House at the conclusion of the march through the streets, and a large number of people assembled nt 1.1 o’clock in order to view the spectncular ceremony, but had to go away disappointed. CIVIC RECEPTION TO VICEADMIRAL “THE NAVY IS THE SHIELD OF EMPIRE’’ A civic reception was tendered to Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick Field, of the Special Service Squadron, in the Concert Chamber yesterday at noon. The attendance was so large that many had to stand and listen at the crowdbed doorways. On entering the chamber the vice-admiral and his attendant officers were given a rousing welcome. They were accompanied to the platform by Sir Francis Bell (representing the Government), Mr. T. M. Wilford (representing the Opposition), Mr. J. P. Firth (president of the Navy League), Mr. G. Mitchell (chairman of the Harbour Board), and several members of the City Council. The Mayor (Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P.) gaid it was a pleasure to have the viceadmiral and the officers of the Special Service Squadron with them in Wellington, and he took it as a compliment that Wellington had been selected as the first port of call in the Dominion. After a resume of the viceadmiral’s distinguished career, the Mayor said that there had been much talk about the utility of the capital ship, but despite all the inventions above and below water they still believed in the capital ship, feeling that it would continue to hold its own. The Navy was the first and greatest line of defence for both Great Britain and her dependencies ; it always had been and always would be. The Navy had never let them down. (Applause.) At the same" time the great power of the British Navy had never been abused. The ships were used for defence rather than aggression. Even in the darkest hours in the last Great "War they hnd all felt that the Navy was doing its best, and would win out in the end. He gave the admiral and his officers a cordial welcome to the city, assuring him that though the people of Wellington were not a demonstrative people they were all right at heart. fifr Francis Bell apologised for the absence of the Prime Minister, whose Jttmds were pretty full at present.

Sneaking fcr the Government he welcomed the admiral, the officers, an "of the Special Service Squadron on behalf of the whole of the people of New Zealand. The visit of such a squadron meant a good deal to New Zealanders, as it brought home terthem a sense of the power and might of the Navy, the symbol that united the great British Empire to which they were so proud to belong, the Government had hoped to place at disposal of the visitors all the services of the country, but there had been a lift e disorganisation, and they had to ma the best of things as they wer.. (Laughter and applause.) It there was a country more loyal to King and Em pire than New Zealand he did not know it. The rally of 1914 was .--ill ringing in their ears, and if there ever came another time when the Empire was called upon to make a stand together h e had no hesitation in saying that their children’s children would act as their fathers and father s fathers had done in preserving the great traditions of the British Crown. (Applause.) , . Mr. T. M. Wilford, in voicing a hearty welcome, said that the Opposition yielded not an inch to the Government in loyalty and unity, ana stood four square for King and country. The Navy was and always had been the shield of Empire. The visit of the squadron not only had local but world-wide significance, for it helped one* to realise that the dfly of the capital ship was not past. It was a sealevel power, whilst its enemies were more or less dependent on laws of gravity; and the future, he believed, would still find them a power in the world. He had onlv recently returned from a trip to the East, and had seen Singapore and the Strait of Jahore. He regarded Singapore as a police station. There had always been a naval base there, but it was one which needed bringing up to date, and it was no good unless it was brought up to date. Because he regarded it as a police station it did not necessarily conmtp that burglary was about tc be committed by their neighbours nor that it was provocative. As the beat extended far distances east and west, it was necessary that there should be docks, oil stations, etc., to keep tho ships efficient. (Applause.) Mr. H. D. Bennett said the thought which had struck him as the great ships came into the harbour was how utterly these distant parts of the Empire were dependent upon the Navy, and what their fate would be were that protective power to cease. It might bo just as well to take a mental note as to whether they were paying a fair thing towards the upkeep of the British Navy. Mr. J. P. Firth, president of the Navy League, in referring to the value of the Navy, said that its protection was of vital importance to the Empire now and at all times. In the battle of Jutland, the German ships were as good as theirs, tho German guns were ns good as theirs, but there was one quality, that of spirit and character, and the sea sense of the officers and men. which the Germans could not match. It was to foster and develop such qualities that the Navy League throughout the world was inculcating in the children a reverence of the nation’s great past and an admiration for heroic deeds which had served to build up the greatest Empire ever known. (Applause.) Before he replied, to the welcome given him and l»s officers, Vice-Ad-miral Field said he would like to deliver a message from the King. Before leaving England he had heen received by His Majesty, who had expressed the liveliest interest in the tour, and had also expressed a desire to be kindly remembered to the people out here for the many kindnesses which had been extended to him during his own tour in 1901, and which he had never forgotten. Admiral Field went on to say that his first impression of the country was that it was very like the country at Home, with the gorse on the hills and the threat of rain in the air, and then there was a railway strike—it all made it feel homely. (Laughter and applause.) Best of all was the. great welcome which had been given them bv. the whole community. As to the objects of the cruise, he might say that one was to thoroughly test tho great ships in all conditions of climate; another was to show the officers who had been so long at Home owing to the war and after, what their duty might be on the great trade routes of the world if war came again : and, lastly, to allow the people of the great Dominions to see something of the big ships, and for officers xid men to see the people and understand their point of view, and so take. Home to tb« ignorant people there some idea of what their brothers and sisters down here wore doing and thinking. There were 5090 of them to do it. They would be able to toll of the undeveloped opportunities for Hm overcrowded population of the Old Country, and to advise them to come out and join those already here. He would like to say how deeply he was indebted to Mr. Mitchell and the Harbour Board for the trouble thev had been to to enable the ships to come alongside. It was an immense llva.ntage. ns it saved a lot of boat work, and allowed the officers and men more time off to see their friends ashore. He had to compliment the harbourmaster, Captain Dawson, and; Pilot Spence on their fine seamanship in bringing tlm shins alongside without nnv trouble. He also wished to thank all those who had supplied trains and cars for their use aid comfort, and generally for the kindness and hospitality the people had shown to his officers and men, of which amenities they would carry back pleasant memories. (Applause.)

The final of the cutter race between crews of the warships in port for the Frobisher silver cun has been timed to take place in the harbour at 11 a.m. on Friday next. The preliminary heats will be contested to-day. The railway authorities have given an assurance that a train will bo available for the fleet excursion To Palmerston North on Thursday. The party, which is to leave at 8 am., will consist of 30 officers and 400 men from the Hood and Repulse.

NAVAL DEFENCE ADMIRAL FIELD’S ADVICE TO NEW ZEALAND SHOULD MAINTAIN THREE CRUISERS SPEECHES AT OFFICIAL LUNCHEON The Admiral and officers of the Special Service Squadron were the guests of tho Government at a luncheon given in Parliament Buildings yesterday. It was a brilliant and impressive function. His Excellency the GovernorGeneral (Viscount Jellicoe) presided, and had on his right hand the Primo Minister (Right Hon. W. F. Massey) and on his left the Hon. Sir Francis Bell. Tho other positions of honour were held by Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick Field, and Captain J. B. Stevenson (of H.M.A.S. Adelaide). There were also present the Hon. W. Nosworthy, Right Rev. Bishop Sprott, Captain H. W. Parker (H.M.S. Hood), Engineer-Captain M. Rundle (H.M.S. Repulse), Hon. D. H. Guthrie, Hon. J. G. Coates, His Grace Archbishop Redwood, Captain A. F. Beal (H.M.S. Chatham), Mr. T. M. "Wilford, M.P., Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, Engineer-

Captain F. R. Goodwin (H.M.S. Hood), Major G. B. S.‘ Hickson (H.M.S. Hood), Hon. Sir Htaton Rhodes, and Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P. (Mayor of Wellington), besides nearly every member of Parliament and the Legislative Council, and many citizens of note. The large recreation room had been lavishly decorated for the occasion, .and the table decorations were especially creditable. The loyal toast was proposed by the Governor-General and duly honoured. The National Highway. The Prime Minister, after greeting the distinguished gathering, proposed “Our Guests.” Like ourselves in the Pacific, he said, their naval guests looked on the ocean as the national highway, and the natural protection from foreign enemies. It was not wonderful that both took pride in it. He took the greatest pleasure in extending the heartiest welcome not only to the special service squadron, but to those friends from across the Tasman Sea, the officers and men of the Adelaide, neighbours and fellow-citizens of the Empire. He hoped to see more Australian ships in'New Zealand waters. This was not the first time he had seen the Hood and the Repulse, having seen them in review at Portsmouth in impressive circumstances, but their visit to Wellington held a significance of its own. It should be remembered that New Zealand was doing all it could to emulate the example of its kinsman in the North Sea. We were islanders just as they were, and if New Zealand and Australia progressed as they had done, the Empire would last for a long time yet. (Applause.)

So far as the Navy was concerned, Mr. Massey continued, we could look back for centuries, and it would be seen that every time the Empire was in danger it was to the Navy that it looked, and never looked in vain. For 500 years, from the time of the Spanish Armada to the battles of the Nile and Trafalgar the Navy had never failed. It was not too much to say that we could not have won the last war without the Navy, although he wished not to under-estimate the work of the other branches of the service. There had been perfect co-operation. It was for us to seo that the lessons of the Great War were never forgotten through carelessness. Wc could not afford to rest on tiro past. He would like to think we had seen the last of war, but one of the things we must see to was that the Navy was efficient. New Zealand's Duty. From what was going on in Europe, and had been going on for a number of years, and in view of the fact that Britain herself bad had to bear the burden of naval defence, it was evident, said Mr. Massey, that something more must be done in the near future if the Navy was to be kept up to an efficient standard. While he was in England two new, up-to-date cruisers were being laid down. Ha hoped that no alteration had taken place in that programme, as had taken place in regard to Singapore, but he did not think they had heard the last of Singapore (applause), and in time operations would be resumed there; Naval expenses would become increasingly heavy, and it was up to New Zealand to do her share. It had voted £lOO,OOO last session, which was not used, ’out if the Singapore proposals were gone on with New Zealand would have to contribute her share, and New Zealanders would come forward to take their place as men of the Royal Navy. Another cruiser would cost us £150,000, and that would place us just on the million mark for defence purposes. It was not too much. (Applause.) It was our plain duty to keep up tho Navy. In the Dunedin we had a fine ship, which would probably be used at first for the purpose of policing the Pacific. Everyone knew that we had never missed an opportunity of preaching the gospel of Empire (applause). and the .Gov-ernor-General had been foremost in it. He would be leaving the Dominion before the end of the year, but he would leave behind him a record of work well done, the kind of work that had made the Empire what it was to-day. This country was proud of its Empire, its Flag, of tlio Army and the Navy, and

it was a country that with a. very few exceptions alvays lived up to its obligations. The Admiral's Reply. Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick Field, on rising to reply, was greeted with continued applause. . He said that ho spoke with great diffidence, because in Lord Jellicoe he had beside him the man who had taught him all ho knew about the Navy. 'Hie question of defence was manifold. Local conditions were of consequence. Adequate naval power was essential. All nations wero taxed to carry on trade after the great upheaval of the war, yet many irresponsible people had adopted specious and attractive arguments to advise the naval. authorities to do without capital ships, and to make up the deficiency with aeroplanes. The capital ship, not necessarily the type of the Hood, as changes took place from time to time, but some form of capital ship, must be retained, and the fleet of the future would consist of the capital ship. The cost of the Navy at the present time was 30s. per head of the population: very heavy, but not likely to be reduced, as the ships were nearly all of the same age, having been through the war, and needed replacement bv up-to-date vessels, and the security of the Empire depended on that. 'The duty of the main fleet was to meet and detain the enemy forces, and without a main fleet it would not be possible to prevent the enemy raiders from attacking the minor defences, on which the existence of the Empire depended, and it would not be possible to detach vessels from the main fleet to protect those defences. Three Cruisers Needed Here. He did not think one cruiser sufficient for the defence of New Zealand. Three were really necessary, in the

event of one needing repairs. He asked Now Zealand to build up a fund to purchase at least two cruisers, and, later on, three, as this would permit of sending one Home to receive the training that could not be obtained here. Competition between crews was also necessary to secure the maximum of efficiency. There was also the point that the peoples of the Dominions did not understand the people of the Homeland, and vice versa, and the interchange would have a strong Imperial strengthening effect. He had been greatly impressed by the opportunities afforded here for expansion as compared with the overcrowded state of the Old Land. It was important for New Zealand to have fuel and repair bases. As regarded the latter they could not do better than they were in Auckland. It was most important to keep the approaches of the main harbours free from the attacks of raiders, and it was very important to have auxiliary and mine-sweeping forces. The Prime Minister proposed the toast of Viscount Jellicoe. Governor-General's Approaching Departure. The Governor-General deplored exceedingly that towards the end of the year ho would be leaving this beautiful Dominion. He did not think it necessary to tell them how much Her Excellency and he regretted it. They had received nothing but kindness from thg people of New Zealand, and for the rest of their lives they would never forget the country in which New Zealanders had the happiness to live. It had been a great pleasure for him to take part in the welcome to the officers of the Royal Navy, and one of the most enjoyable things since ho had come to the country was the visit of the Special Service Squadron. Admiral Field had shared in the Boxer campaign with him, ’ where they both “stopped something,” and he had served with him both before the war and at Jutland. Since the war the Admiral had held the responsible position of Controller-General. It had been his difficult task to scrap the vessels at the instance of the Washington Conference. a difficulty existing chiefly in the short time laid down, but he had beaten even our cousins at their own game. Cheers and the National Anthem concluded an enthusiastic function. NAVAL MEN & THE ROUND OF ENTERTAINMENT THAT MELBOURNE BALL “INCIDENT.” A little over three weeks ago a paragraph culled from a Sydney weekly paper related that some feeling and not a little embarrassment was caused on the occasion of the Mayoral ball to the Vice-Admiral and the. officers of the fleet. The paragraph related that only a few junior officers turned up, and these excused themselves from dancing on some frivolous pretext or other. In view of the admirable impression which has been created in Wellington by both officers and men of the Special Service Squadron, a Dominion reporter resolved to ascertain, if possible, how much truth there was in the paragraph in question. The matter was brought under the attention of Pay-master-Commander F. H. Horsey, secretary to the Vice-Admiral, who stated that the wretched paragraph had been brought under the notice of the Admiral, and being much perturbed at the insinuation contained therein, he had written fully to the Mayor of Melbourne. This letter, which was produced to our representative, set out in full what had actually occurred. Originally 62 officers were to have gone, but, at the Admiral’s request, the party was made up to 72. and all had turned un and tb'"--

oughlv enjoyed the magnficent ball given ’oy the Mayor. It. was true that the Admiral had left early, but that was in order to put in an appearance at another dance to tho officers, and to personally thank the hostess of tho

evening for her kindness. There was absolutely no justification for the paragraph, which was as much deplored by the Mayor of Melbourne, whose regrets were contained in a letter the Vice-Admiral had since received. Commander Horsey made it, plain that the officers were not in the least bored or tired of the entertainment that was bein'’’ offered them everywhere they went? and any impression of the kind was quite erroneous. They were, as a matter of fact, as keen as mustard on the balls and dances, and often when an affair was posted up in the ward-room there were so many applications to go that a selection had to be made. On no occasion wero officers ordered to attend these functions, but they appreciated to the full that they were arranged in thenhonour, under which .circumstances they wer« only too anxious and ready to respond to the hospitality offered them wherever they went. Unfortunately this paragraph had been published in New Zealand, and had done incalculable harm, 'out he hoped the public of New Zealand would accept the Admiral’s assurance that there was absolutely nothing in it. NAVAL SPORTS The citizens’ sports committee are to be congratulated on their efforts yesterday in providing a sports day for our sailor visitors. Between three and four hundred men from the Fleet thoroughly enjoyed a comprehensive programme drawn up for their especial benefit. That they thoroughly appreciated the efforts made on their behalf was borne out by the number of entries for each event. A much needed innovation, and one taken full advantage of by the men, was an interval for re-

freshments, and the committoe showed considerable forethought in providing tents as a protection against a strong northerly wind. The most exciting event was the tug-of-war, while others, such as blindfold boxing, threelegged races, obstacle race, and pillow fight occasioned great amusement. The Governor-General (Lord Jellicoe) and the Mayor (Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P.) were present for a portion of the afternoon. The following are the results: — Tug-of-war—H.M.S. Hood, 1; H.M.S. Repulse, 2. Obstacle race —Osborne (Chatham), 1; Ransome (Repulse), 2. This race provided a most exhausting test forthe competitors. The winner takes two guineas as a prize and a cup presented by Lord Jellicoe. 100 Yards—Theodore (Repulse), 1; Cunninghame (Adelaide), 2. 440 Yards —Theodore (Repulse), 1; Osborne (Chatham), 2. Kicking the football —Russell (Adelaide), 1; Gilmore (Adelaide), 2. Three-legged race—Trickleton and Bowden (Hood), I: Seddon (Repulse) and Anderson (Adelaide), 2. Greasy pig—Bennett (Hood), 1; Turnbull (Adelaide), 2-Half-mile walk —Holmes (Adelaide), 1; White (Hood), 2. Sack race —Seddon (Repulse), 1; Barker (Hood), 2. Wheelhiarrow race —Andrews and Richter (Adelaide), 1; Davis and Gunn (Adelaide), 2. Relay race —Adelaide, 1; Repulse, 2. Thread-the-needle—Ransome (Repulse) and Miss Bainl orough, 1; White (Hood) and Miss Hollis, 2. Treacle bun—Bennett (Hood), 1. Pillow-fight — Cunningham (Adelaide.-). 1 : Gould (Chatham), 2. Blindfold boxing—Bowden (Hood), 1 ; Clarke (Repulse), 2. SOCCER FOOTBALL TEST It had been proposed to play an Association football match on Saturday next between a New Zealand test team and a representative team from the fleet. On account of the railway strike, however, the game lias been abandoned, and it has been decided to allow the Wellington Association to play a return match with the fleet. AUCKLAND’S WELCOME. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, April 28. An organised procession of yachts and launches to welcome the visiting fleet at Auckland on May 10 has been decided upon by the Auckland Y T aclit and Motor Boat Association, at the request of the Auckland Harbour Board. TO-DAY’S PROGRAMME The warships will be visited to-day by school children, the members of the Y.M.C.A. and Justices of the Peace and their wives. No big functions have been arranged for to-day. At 12.45 p.m. the Vice-Admiral and officers of the fleet will attend the Rotary Club’s luncheon in the social hall of the Y.M.C.A.

For the convenience of those who wish to write their names in Admiral Field’s visitors’ book, the book will be placed in the ’Town Hal] on the morning of Thursday nnd will be available until mid-day on Thursday, May 1. With the exception of Wednesday, April 30, Monday. May 5, and Tuesday, May 6, 11.M.5. Hood will be open for inspection by the general public from 1.30 to 5.30 p.m. throughout her stay in port; and TT.M.S. Repulse will also be open for inspection during the same hours every day except on Tuesday, May 6, and Wednesday, May 7. The reason for closing the vessels to the public on the other days is that they will be giving ships’ companies’ at homes, dinners, or dunces, and it would therefore bo impossible to rig the ship.