WARSHIP'S FIRST CALL.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1889, 7 April 1913, Page 5

WARSHIP'S FIRST CALL.

WELLINGTON OR LYTTELTON?

tProM Association.— By Telegraph. Auckland, Saturday. On inquiring as to the accuracy of the Melbourne cable stating that H.M.S. New 'Zealand proceeds direct to Lyttelton, the Governor has informed a press representative that there has been no alteration in the arrangement making Wellington the first port of call ia the Dominion.

GOVERNOR TO DECIDE. Christchurch, Saturday. The Mayor has received the following reply from Capt. Halsey, of H.M.S. New Zealand to his enquiry when the warship would arrive at Lyttelton and how long 6he would stay there "Information required not known. Governor arranging programme New Zealand."

MAKING SURE.

CABLED INQUIRIES.

Christchurch, Saturday.

The Mayor has sent the following cable message to Capt. Halsey, of H.M.S. New Zealand:—"When do you expect to arrive at Lyttelton, «nd for how many days, free from coaling, will your ship be there?" The secretary of the Lyttelton Harbour Board has sent the following cable message:—"We understand by cable published this morning that your ship comes direct to Lyttelton from Melbourne. Owing to difficulties in embarking school children and other visitors off Camp Bay, the Board hopes that you will allow your ship to be berthed at No. 3 jetty at Lyttelton. Can safely berth your ship, drawing up to 30 feet. Harbourmaster will submit to you on arrival plans of soundings just -made."

SLIGHTED AT MELBOURNE.

ONLY OFFICERS NOTICED.

Received 5.5 p.m. Melbourne, April 6.

Some comment has been made on the want of public interest in the warship New Zealand's visit. One explanation put forward is that it is probably because the public are waiting for the arrival of the cruiser Australia.

In a letter published in the Argus, •igned ' "Australian," the writer says tnat like many other Victorians, he has been watching for a proposal to suitably entertain the crews of the New Zealand; but no notice appears to be taken of our guests apart from the officers. He adds that when one thinks of the royal manner in which the American squadron was entertained it makes one disgusted to think of the cool treatment accorded to the ■hip provided by the sister dominion.