ADMIRAL HARPER, R.N.

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 125, 31 May 1927, Page 8

ADMIRAL HARPER, R.N.

(To the Etfttar.)

Sir, —I do not feel at all rare tha{ you are correct in your statement tonight that the above gallant offie«r 14 the first and only New Zealander tot reach flag rank in the Royal Nary. If you will look up the record of Ad« miral Edward Qeorge Shortland, you may find that he was born in Auckland round about 1856. His father, who was, I think, private secretary to Bir George Grey at one time, was a brother of Admiral Willoughby Shortland (Colonial Secretary under Captain Hobson* B.Jf.), and of Admiral Peregrino Shortland. "

I fancy that the Admiral and all hisj broth em and sister* were born ia Auek> land, where some of the former, I believe, still' reside. Most of the younger ones were educated in England and have remained there..

Admiral Shortland was promoted Vice-Admiral some yean before the war and retired before it, without having had the good fortune to see any active service. On the outbreak of war he at once volunteered for active service in any capacity, was accepted as a post captain, saw active service (for which, see Lean's Navy" last, it it is still published) in his ship, distinguished himself, and was made «j Companion of the Bath.—l am, «te, SEKEr.

27th May.