THE New Zealand Herald. AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1891.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8541, 15 April 1891, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald. AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1891.

The British men-of-war that have graced our harbour for several weeks are now about leaving, and we may venturo, on behalf of the citizens of Auckland, to bid them the cordial good-bye due to ever-welcome visitors. To have five or sis. men-of-war in the Waitemata, some of them large vessels of the most modern construction and armament, is gratifying to us in every way. The presence of these ships shows us that England still values the colonial connection, and looks upon us as part of the mighty Empire. The instinct of Englishmen teaches them to value the position of being the greatest of naval powers, to see that that position depends greatly on the colonial connection, and that at all hazards it must be upheld. With England her navy is allimportant, and it must be recognised that happen what may she must keep the seas for her commerce. Let Britain still continue to rule the waves, and the progress of the Empire in all its parts is assured. These vessels are to us a sign not to be mistaken, that no power whatever . shall be allowed to meddle with the ocean traffic on which we so essentially depend, and that the great market of the world shall always remain open to us.

But apart from all these high Imperial considerations, the visit of a iioet our shores is an agreeable break in colonial life. Society is not very extensive here, and it is a pleasant change to see, if only for a few weeks, men who are not colonials, and who bring with them, as it were, a breeze from Old England. And wo are sure that from the Admiral downwards, nothing can be said but in praise. Admiral Lord Charles Scott has shown all the kindliness, dignity, and courtesy of demeanour which might be expected from one of his ancient lineage. He lias cordially responded to invitations to be present on occasions when it was thought that he might be of benefit to a local object. For himself and Lady Charles Scott we shall always entertain the best feelings. We believe that the stay of the officers and men has been agreeable to' them, as it certainly has been to us. The British sailor, while he is nowadays as frolicsome and fun-loving as of yore, is more sober and well-behaved ; and /luring the time that these fifteen hundred men have been in harbour their orderliness, sobriety, and general good conduct have been a marvel. There,has been nothing like riotous conduct, and very little over-indulgence in liquor.

Besides what may be called the social aspects attending a visit from the squadron, the profit which it must be to a place like Auckland to entertain so many visitors ought not to be forgotten, and it is quite natural for colonials to look steadily at that side of the picture. If on that account alone, we feel bound to endeavour to make the stay of the squadron as pleasant as possible. We believe Auckland to be the most suitable port to be the headquarters of the fleet here. We have now a dock capable of taking in any vessel which may be sent to the colonies, and which on the present occasion has been used by the Orlando. The naval authorities have hero store buildings and reserves conveniently situated for any purpose'they require, while the harbour has no superior. We shall soon have to welcome in these waters the vessels built in England for special service in these colonies, and for which the colonies pay a yearly contribution. These vessels will be under the naval Commander-in-chief, and will be directed by him in all their movements. Naturally their headquarters will be at the port where there is the best accommodation, and where the necessary cleaning and repairs can be attended to. , A visit from a British squadron is to us the'most striking symbol that still

remains that we are part of the Empire, and have a light to claim the flag as ours. We believe that both interest and sentiment will induce us to cling to the Imperial connection while that flag continues to brave the battle and the breeze, if that time extends for many thousands of years.