THE JELLICOE VISIT.

Northern Advocate, 19 August 1919, Page 2

THE JELLICOE VISIT.

The appeal of his Worship the .NLayor for funds to assist in the public welcome to and entertainment of Admiral Jellicoe lias not been responded to at all. This is greatly to be regretted iand surely registers an oversight rather tluan indifference or hostility. That the Oonnity Gouneil ■lias turned the appeal down .seems to indicate a laclc of public splint and imagination; but we feel sure that the general public will see in the hearty welcome to be 'accorded to ithe distinguished admiral, not so much a personal laudation as a. tribute to the remarkable services of the invincible British navy. The great sailor merits fitting , recognition and will doubtless be delighted with New Zealand's (hospitality, but this is not a personal affair by any means. It provides a splendid opportunity to acknowledge our gratitude and admiration, and to show our pride in the >miany brave British sons of the sea. Surely we have not forgotten the ceaseless vigil of the ever-ready navy, surely we possess sufficient insight to grasp the fact that, but for the continued 'and ever-closer grip of the navy, even this fair lajid would be under the domination of another, and detested control. That the British fleet had little opportunity for actually demonstrating its fighting prowess is not the fault of John Bull. He had manoeuvred his figshtirag vessels of enormous strength, numbers, and types, in all seaa where their protection wlas needed. And the enenry dreaded their might and, for the most part, kept a discreet distance. Tlhe certain knowledge of the might of Britain's guns kept the enemy at bay 'and allowed British shipping- tio continue. The navy kept New Zealand safe and indeed increased the value of its produce enormously. But for the seas being kept open our food-stuffis would have been almost valueless; amd in this respect Whangarei district has reaped a rich protective harvest. And now tlhe time lias arrived to show our appreciation dv a, tangible way by welcoming- H.M.S. New Zealand and Admiral Jelliooe in a right royal fashion. He is due to arrive in Wellington to-day, and the fact needs but to be emphasised to unlock not only the pockets, but the founts of deep gratitude (alnd superlative admiration. No parochial feeling should dim iour eyes to the significance of the need for a national welcome and appreciation. When we accord a reception to (Admiral Jellicoe and his crew, we acIcnowledge our indebtedness tlo the strong arm of Britain's might, of which. New Zeallamd is privileged to entertain so famous a representative. And we also announce our proud inclusion in its daring , and devotion as well as in its protection and achievement.