SECRET OF ENGLAND’S GREATNESS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 184, 30 April 1924, Page 13

SECRET OF ENGLAND’S GREATNESS

<, TRIBUTE TO MERCANTILE MARINE THE MEN BEHIND THE NAVY A generous tribute to the debt tho Royal Navy owes to tho men of tho merchant service was paid by bn Frederick Field, Vice-Admiral of the Special Service Squadron, at, the luncheon arranged in his honour by the Rotary Club yesterday afternoon. Amongst the guests were thet aiminanders of H.M.S. Repulse, H.M.A.S. Adelaide, H.M.S. Chatham, and 11.M.5. Veronica. . In responding to a most enthusiastic welcome, Vice-Admiral Field reminded his hosts that tho British Navy had been commenced by commerce, which had built up the Empire’s trade. For years the merchants of England had manned and armed their own ships, and it was not until the seventeenth century that the Navy became as it was to-day, a charge upon tho State. In the fight against the Spanish Armada, 197 English vessels were privately owned and only 34 belonged to tho State. It was by the great enterprise of the merchant service that the Navy had been built up. The Great War could never have been won had it not been for the invaluable help which had been given by the .splendid sailors of the mercantile marine, who had so strongly augmented the fleet, and made up that huge force which was known as the British Navy. Continuing, the Admiral said that he entertained the greatest ’ admiration for the objects of the Rotary Club, which aimed not only at high ideals and that integrity which had come to bo associated with the British name, but the expansion of trade. By increasing production they would not only benefit the Empire, but help to enlarge the mercantile marine, which would supplement naval power. Sir Frederick Field concluded by stating that when he and his officers got back Home they would have great stories to toll of what they had seen, and they would never forget the kindness they had received in New Zealand. During tho progress of the luncheon the president of the Rotary Club (Mr. C. C. Odlin), on behalf of the members, presented the Vice-Admiral with a handsome Maori mere, which had been carved by Rotarian Porter.

The luncheon was a very informal and happy gathering. The president fined several members for good deeds they had done, such as boosting 'Wellington. The Admiral and his officers, on arrival, were received with a stirring, haka of welcome, and “For he’s a jolly good fellow” was sung in both English and Maori. Songs were sung by Rotarians J. A. Doherty, H. F. Wood, and A. E. Russell, and a numbers of Rotarian choruses were given.