NEW ZEALAND’S GIFT.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 168, 3 July 1911, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND’S GIFT.

LAUNCHING OF THE DREADNOUGHT. •fIHOIVAdOO —•NOIXVTOOS.SV SS3Hd’ (Received 3. 8.5 a.m.) London, July 2. Eight thousand persons witnessed the launch of the " New Zealand ’’ at Fait field Works. Glasgow. Lady Ward perfoi mc-d the christening ceremony. The guests im hided Mr. Morris. Premier of N ewfoumlland. Mr. Mills. Airs, and Miss Scddon, Air. Palliser. Sir William. Lady, and Aliss Riissfll. A large contingent of New Zealand visitors were present. Lady Ward cut the cord, saying “ I name you ‘ New Zealand,’ and as the v. .<■< 1 glided into the water she added ” God protect her ; may she never be called upon to engage in battle, but. if otherwise. I pray that victory may be hers’.” Sir Joseph Ward, in a speech, said he hoped those present realised. as he did, that the launch was a proof of the loyalty of Britain’s overseas people, who were one in ambition, one in sentiment, and one in kith and kin. The launch helped them to realise that there could be no division when the time of-trial came. The people of NewZealand found the money iinmurmuringly. knowing that the defence of any part of the Old At or Id was rhein defence. Alt. Gracie, representing the builders, said the vessel was an emphatic token of New Zealand's loyalty and devotion, and he presented Lady Ward with a casket containing a miniature axe. LORD PLUNKET’S SPEECH. Lord Plunket stated that Lady M'ard had launched, not merely a ■warship, but an embodied new epoch in naval history, which testified to the fine imperial spirit of New Zealanders, who. like Australians. were not afraid to compulsorily train their sons for military service.