GLORY OF CRETE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24104, 24 October 1941, Page 2

GLORY OF CRETE

PART IN ANCIENT HISTORY VICTORIA LEAGUE ADDRESS Some aspects of the brilliant civilisation which once existed in Crete, and the lessons 1o be learned from the downfall of a great Empire which was once the first great naval power in the world, hut which failed because it had only a fleet, and not an army as well, were described by Mr. E. M. Blaiklock in an address on "Crete in Ancient History" to members of the Victoria League yesterday morning. When the Cretans boasted of their ancient glory they were not lying, Mr. Blaiklock said, although they had the reputation of being the liars of the ancient world. Their ancient myths had a deep basis of truth, as was shown by the excavation of palaces and tombs by Sir Arthur I']vans in 1894 and later years. The magnificent drainage system of their ancient palaces, which was found to function perfectly after 3000 years, the lighting and heating systems, and the beautiful pottery of Crete were also described by the speaker. The defence of this island empire depended solely on the long, curved swift ships of the King's great battle fleet, Mr. Blaiklock said, in describing the fall of Crete. Crete had no army and no fortresses, as the people felt they were so secure in their empire of the seas. Hut when the fleet failed Crete was doomed. When the waves of invaders from the north, who were to become the Greeks, invaded the island, the civilisation of Crete completely disappeared. The remnants of the people were scattered up and down the sea, some finding their way to Cyprus and others to Egypt, with which Crete had long had trade relations. In conclusion. Mr. Blaiklock said the fall of Crete was a terrible lesson for an island empire to-day. A strong army must be kept on shore as a strong second line of defence. This fact should be borne in mind when people became a little impatient with the British authorities about the diversion of fighting forces overseas. The chairman of the lecture committee, Mr. L. S. Rickerby, presided.