H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 137, 11 June 1913, Page 8

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND

REVISITS WELLINGTON BERTHED ALONGSIDE KING'S WHARF H.M.S. New Zealand, this Dominion's gift battle-cruiser, arrived at Wellington to-day, on a return visit to the port. The vessel left Picton at 6.30 o'clock this morning, and was in stream at a quarter to twelve. On the occasion of her previous visit to Wellington, on 12th April, the battleship remained anchored in stream until her departure on 23rd April on the commencement of her Southern itinerary. To-day, however, without any preliminary "boosting," the huge vessel berthed at. the King's Wharf, without any t'ssistance, even the services of a pilot not being required. Such a feat, it is claimed, would be impossible for a i"Pjssel of her siZb in any other port in the Dominion. Captain Halsey's great faith in Wellington's harbour is attested in a letter to Mr. 11. Fletcher (chairman of the Harbour Hoard), in which he stated_ that he would berth immediately on arriving, and — such was his confidence in the port — that he would not lequire the assistance of a pilot. His confidence was fully justified, for the battleship, drawing 28 feet, berthed in 42 feet of water at the King's Wharf. The high wind which swept the harbour delayed the operation somewhat, but shortly before one o'clock the New Zealand was securely moored alongside. A crowd of several hundred persons watched with interest the berthing of the biggest ship that has ever visited these waters, the vessel's band the while playing "Britannia, the Pride of the Ocean," and similar airs. His Excellency the Governor was a passenger by the New Zealand, which will remain in port until Sunday next, 15th June, sailing at noon that day for Wauganui Tile ship will remain at the King's Wharf the whole time, but, as originally arranged, will not be open for inspection by the public. Invitations have been issued for an "At Home" on board the vessel from three o'clock to five to-morrow afternoon', and on Friday night the officers will give a ball. This evening they will attend a reception at Government House. A unique* presentation will take place in the Town Hall on Friday afternoon at a function organised by the Navy League. New handsome silk flags, subscribed for by the Timaru branch of the Navy League, assisted by donations from other parts of New Zealand, will be formally presented to Captain Italsey. But for the battleship having to curtail her programme at Timaru on account of the bad weather, the presentation—which will be made by General Godley — would have taken place at that port. Leaving Wellington on Sunday next, 15th June, the New Zealand will arrive at Wanganui on the 16th inst., and dcx vrt the same day for New Plymouth. She is due there on 17th June, and will sail the same day for ltussell, which port will be reached on 19th June. The same^ day she will sail for Auckland, arriving there on 19th June, and sailing finally from the Dominion from that port on 28th June.