H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 5 February 1913, Page 5

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND

VISIT OF INSPECTION SPEECHES BY NEW ZEALANDERS. tPMB« A33COIATIOK.--CoPYRrGHT.I (Received Feb. 5, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 4. Speaking during the visit of inspection to' the battleship New Zealand, the Hon. T. Mackenie said that he was proud to have been a member of Sir Joseph Ward's Government. The coat of arms may be. taken to typify Drake's Revenge, Anson's Centurion, and Halsey's New Zealand; but**whereas the former were buccaneers. Halsey was a man of peace and goodwill. They were proud that New Zealand was the first to make a definite offer. Australia quickly followed, and then Canada and the Malay Stales; and he was sure that South Africa, India, and .others would do their part. The New Zealand's voyage would be a great demonstration. It showed England "that by trusting the Overseas Dominions, and giving them the power of self-government and the privilege of working out their own destinies, that she received the oversea dominions' spontaneous support; whereas when she attempted to. force on the United States a contribution towards defence she lost possession. The voyage was also an indication to envious rivals that the Mother Country should not be threatened and menaced' without their having to reckon with the Daughter States. For the words "Hands off!" would come from the cannon's mouth on behalf of the daughters. The NewZealand typified the power of the Empire on the sea. New Zealand and others were exceedingly anxious that the navy of the Empire" should be equal to any challenge. They did not wish to - become pawns on the chessboard. The Hon. James Allen said that if the Mother Country needed more New Zealand would give it. They were determined to keep the flag flying on the seas over tho whole world, and were anxious that the Pacific should be as safe as the Atlantic and North Sea. He hoped the colonies in the Pacific would pot their heads together to ensure safe'.v. New Zealand would not be satisfied until she more ships and more New Zealand blue jackets. They considered it insufficient to sacrifice material onlv to the Empire's needs, but must also give men, «vho would be forthcoming when they could afford it. Sir George Reid was confined to bed with influenza, and has cancelled all engagements. As the K ; vig's visit of inspection to the battleship New Zealand on Ash Wednesday is to be semi-private, there will be no'guard of honour, and only one. reporter and one photographer. AN EXAMPLE AND AN INSPIRATION. ~~LONDON, Feb. 4. The "Daily .Telegraph" says the battleship New Zealand represents a cash contribution of 40s a head for every New Zealander. The fact is an- example and an inspiration to the people of every nation under the flag. i ~