THE BRITISH NAVY

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12217, 15 August 1925, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY

US VITAL IMPORTANCE ADDRESS BY GOVERNOR-GENERAL “FREEDOM OF THE SEAS” “The existence of the British Empire depends on. the freedom of the seas.” r- i This woe the keynote of the address of His Excellency the GovernorGeneral, Sir Charles Fergusson, who, on behalf of the Navy League, yesterday presented a Union Jack to the children of the Brooklyn School. The flag signifies that the membership at the school has now passed the hundred mark, and it is worthy of note that over fifty flags have now been presented to different schools throughout the province. The headmaster, Mr J. B. Hopkjrk, presided at the function, and among those present were His Worship the Mayor (Mr C. J. B. Norwood), Mr R. McKeen, M.P., Major-General Melvill, Commanders Peters and Woodruff, Lieutenant-. Colonel Prophet, Colonel Burgees, Captain Vaughan, Messrs J. H. Whitaker (chairman of the School Committee), T. Forsyth (chairman of the Education Board), R. Darrooh (secretary of the Wellington branch of the Navy League), and J. I. Goldsmith. His Excellency said that the presentation of the flag reflected great credit upon the children. The fact that they had a large membership showed that they understood what the Navy League stood for, and were taking an interest in the Navy itself. The Navy existed for the maintenance of the British Empire which was scattered over the world, and which depended for its existence on the freedom of the seas. The Navy was the only means of holding this freedom during both peace and war. It was '.heir duty to learn the great traditions Df the Empire, and pass them on in turn to the younger on<». The Navy League was not a military organiea"jon, but a society for the preservation >f peace. It was the aim of the league to maintain the Empire which was one of tlie great securities of peace. Three great democracies composed the British Empire. They were not bound by any constitutional or legal bond; but had a common aim and swore allegiance to one king. It was imperative that these peoples must keep to gotlier. The British Empire could not stand still but would either go for ward or go back, and it depended on the masses of the citizens as to

whether it advanced or degenerated. For its progress the masses most be educated, and here was one of the aims of the Navy League which stood for an efficient Navy, and was endeavouring to teach the people the dire need for the maintenance of the freedom of the seas. He hoped that they -would take the lessons of the league to heart. A LIVING UNION JACK During the afternoon the children dressed in red, white and blue cape formed a living Union Jack, and to the time set by the gramophone went through a programme of physical exercise. The movements were carried but with admirable smartness and precision. “This is the first time I have ever seen a flag formed in this way,” said His Excellency, “and it is something I will remember for a long time to come. The drill reflects the greatest credit on you (meaning the children) and on your teacbers.”