H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15791, 16 June 1913, Page 3 (Supplement)

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND

FESTIVITIES AT TTMARU. I PRESENTATION OP THE" FLAGS. ' OAMARU, May 29. v H.M.S. Now Zealand arrived at Timaru to-day, but the enthusiastic but disappointed crowds were unable to board her. Patriotic- enthusiasm reached a height o» fervour aaid intensity. The town was en fete to welcome the battle cruiser when she arrived off tho roadstead about 6 o'clock on tho previous evening in all her grim and effective but unostentatious panoply of war. While tho big warship was still in the offing she was met by tho harbour board launch and escorted to her anchorage about a milo off the shore by Captain Tait (pilot), Messrs E. King, and H. Moore (secretaries of tho reception committee), and' Mi W. J. Bardslcy (secretary of tho Harbour Board).

During the evening Captain Halsey troatod the town to a pyrotechnic display, and also brought his searchlights into plav. Long shafts of light pierced tho darkness and throw into bold relief any obstacles which came within their range, thus evidencing ■ the great utility of tho searchlights in locating danger. After this display had been in progress for somo time a number of rockets were sent up into tho air, whore they exploded and made the heavens glorious with their multicoloured spaiks. This morning a better view of the ship was obtainable, and many, thousand pairs of eyes wero bent seaward to scan tho lines of tho vessel. ' The town bore a distinctly holiday appearance, and in the faces of all could bo seen a recognition of the knowledge that the day was an historical one. Business premises, shops, and tho strccte generally were gay with bunting l and floral decorations, while tho wharves and shipping were also decked out in a becoming manner. In addition to this the citizens woro red, white, and blue ribbons, and by means of Navy League badges aid other emblems gave a personal indication of their patriotism. _ / * Four special - trains from various directions brought- large crowds of visitore from tho country, and as tho crowd of townspeople was hourly increasing tho streets were soon. thronged with several thousand eager and expectant fightseors. In pursuance of Captain Halsey's cxpfressed wish tho first visitors to the ship were school children, and nunctually at 8.45 a.m. the ,8.6. Tutanekai left the wharf with some 50T) children on board from the Main, South, Waimataitai, Glon-iti, Technical, Roman Catholic, and High Schools. These wero children who had not seen tho battleship at Lyttelton, and the excited air of the young folks bore eloquent testimony to tho enjoyment they were anticipating. They'were doomed, however, to a measuro of disappointment, for when they arrived in tho vicinity of the New Zealand the sea was found to bo too rough to ennblo them to bo safely placed aboard. There was an exceedingly heavy swell running, and this rendered _ it_ impossible to establish stable communication between the two vessels. However the Totartekai cruised round her mighty kinsman, and the young folks obtained a very fair idea of her dimensions, armament, eto. A little later the Hinemoa made a trip out with a further contingent of school children, and from this onwards there was a constant succession of small vessels conveying children and adults from the wharf to tho New Zealand. It is estimated that as many as 2000 school children viewed the vessel, and probably more than doublo this number of adults.

Anxmg the first visitors to the ship were the principal citizens of the borough, and theeo left tho wharf in tho Cygnet shortly before 9 o'clock.

After considerable difficulty _ the Cygnet was taken alongside tho warship and made fast by moans of strong hawsers. A gangr way was pnt down, and tho party mado a somewhat precarious transfer to tho deck of the ironclad. Mr Oraigio introduced a number of the visitors to Captain Halsey, and the Mayor extended a welcome to the vessel on behalf of the borough,. Captain Halsey suitably replied in a brief Bpcceh. Thq visitors wCro then conducted on a visit of inspection over the ship by the midshipmen, and were greatly interested in all they saw. The ship's officers were also courteous und obHfring, and those who 'made tho, trip spoak in terms of warm praise of then*- reception on board. In addition to the ship's officers there were on the vessel a group of Territorial officers (including General Godley), who had been taken aboard at Akaroa to witness a big-gun practice.

The control of the crowds on the wharves during the day was admirably carried out, end the operations of embarking aed disembarking were performed with a' minimum of confusion. Tho large crowds, of townspeople and visitors were keenly disappointed at not being ab;le - to board the vessel, but after the finst feeling of vexation had worn off the people took a more cheerful view of the matter and found consolation in a variety of ways.

Caroline Bay was crowded throughout t3io day, and, despite the cold breeze off tho Boa, the peoplo appeared to enjoy themselves. A further disappointment awaited the citizens., hdwever, for about 12.30 Captain Halsey sent a message ashore to the effect that ho did not feel justified in allowing his officers and men to land. He regretted this very much, bnt the condition of the sea absolutely precluded the idea. Tho town then proceeded to do f-feclf tho honour of a reception, and tho luncheon that was to have been tendered, to the noncommissioned officers, bluejackets, and marines was demolished by the Territorials in tho absence of tho intended guests. This luncheon took the form of an army and navy function, the navy being represented by the Territorial officers who had como down from Akaroa on board tho vessel. '

About 2 p.m. a procession was formed consisting of the Territorials (under Major Barclay), tho cadets, members of the Navy League, and a number of prominent citizens. Three bands accompanied the pro-

cession—namely tho Second Regiment Band (under Captain Schnack), and tho Marino Band (under Bandmaster Oroxford), and the Pipe Band (under Drum-Major Edgar). A tonr of tie main streets was made, and then the procession bent its way towards Caroline Bay, where the flags which had been made by the lady members of the Timaxu branch of the Navy League ■were to be handed over to General Godley, as the representative of Capt. Halsey.

Mr J. Craigie, who was received with applause, said that they were all extremely disappointed at the shabby behaviour of the elements, but as no ono had any control over these, they would havo to make the best of matters. No doubt thoy wero all prond to see their gift ship standing out thero in the roadstead and symbolising their patriotism to the Empiro thoy were so proud to belong to. He was dolighted to see euoh a largo attendance, which pointed indubitably to the loyalty of tho people of Timaru. It was his pleasant duty as president of tho Timaru branch of the Navy League to introduce Mrs Edgar Jones, president of tho Ladies' .Leajjue. As they knew, the ladies had initiated tho presentation of two flags to tho battleship, and these were not only a gift from Timaru, bat from tho women of New Zealand. It was New Zealand's gift—(Applause.) He did not think the ship would havo been completo without tho good old Union Jack and the "White Ensign, and they all hoped that when it wa6 hoisted it would nev# box. taken by tho enemy, but would some day bring tho enemy's ifag back to Timaru.— (Applause.)

Mrs Edgar Jones then advanced to prosent General Godley, on behalf of the battleship, with tho two f)ajjs— a White Ensign and a Union Jack—and in doing so 6fatcd that their cost liifd been contributed by the women and children of New Zealand.

On rising to reply General Godley was received with the greatest enthusiasm. He stated that he felt himself placed m a very difficult position, ,in that he was a most unworthy substitute for Captain Halscy in having tho honour to receive tho flags worked by the ladies of Timaru.—(Cries of " No, no.") Ho was, however, proud to do it, because ho thought it emphasised a link between the army and thi senior or sister service, tho navy, a link which had lately been further strengthened when Captain Halsey had entertained himself and about a dozen other army officers on board tho ship. Conti'iuine-, ho said he thought everyone knew how much the dominion was indebted to the ladies of the Navy Leagao of Timaru for their interest in tho navy, which he was suro would be valuablo to the Empire as a whole. On behalf of Captain Halsoy ho thanked them for their gift, and he could inform that it was only with the greatest reluctance that Captain Halscy had abandoned the idea of coming ashore himself. Ho was euro, however, they would understand his enormous responsibility, and tho impo.-.eibiljt-y to tako any risks in the matter.—(Applause.)

Tho Mayor then called for three heiirty cheers for Captain liabcv and the officers and men of the good ship New Zealand, and these were responded to with resounding heartiness. Three cheers for General Godley, on the call of Mr C'raigic, were also given. The proceedings were then brought to a conclusion by a poi dance and a lialw by a group of Maoris, who in their picturesque, garb had boon prominent througheat tbdaj.

ROUGH WEATHER EXPERIENCED. Tho morning of Friday broke in Oamaru with a heavy wind blowing, and tho sea running so high as to preclude any idea of being able to place visitors on board the vessel, which was expected to arrivo there early in tho day. No word of the battleship was received until about 9 o'clock, when tho top-most outlines of tho vessel became visible on tho horizon straight out to sea. Tho ship was still a oonsiderablo distance off tho shoro and tho outlines of her .hull could not even ho discerned, but tho young folks wero cheerfully hopeful that sho would conic in closer. Instead of that, howevor, tho indistinct outlines, cf tho vessel gradually faded away, and further information was received stating that she had started for Otago Heads. This information was substantiated later, whon tho Tutanekai and Hinemoa, which were in attendance to tender tho warship, also departed for Dunedin.

WELCOME 'AT DUNEDIN. A HAPPY DAY FOR THE CHILDREN. The doubt as to whether the Dunedin weather would sufficiently retrieve its reputation to enable a visit to be mado to tho New Zealand in comparative comfort was fully dissolved early on Saturday, May, 31. The sun shone brightly, the sea outside tho Heads had ceased its angry surgings, and although the wind gave a shrewish whisper at times that winter is with us, its voioo was not so loud as to seriously inoonvcnienco cither young or old. Nature, in fact, had added its smilng acquiescence- to the' welcome whioh was to bo given to tho officers, tho men, and the warship itself by tho people of Otago, to fittingly mark a very important epoch in the /history of these far southorn British Isles. Although stress of circumstances had worked so that Dunedin was tho last of tho chief centres enabled to extend greetings to our much travelled visitors and their unit of England's far-flung battle line, tho welcome was none tho less hearty on that account.. Frorri early on Saturday morning till late in the afternoon white winged yachts, big and small motor launches, and several steamers carried their living froights down tho harbour.

A SAFE ANCHORAGE. After leaving Oamaru on Friday afternoon tho New Zealand put out to, sea for the night. In the early hours of- Saturday morning the lighthouse people at Taiaroa Heads saw her lights showing dimly on tho eastern horizon, and soon after daybreak it was apparent that sho was heading for the shore. Sho came on slowly until within a mile and a half of Otago Heads, and the same distance from Hoy-ward Point, where she dropped anchor about 9 o'clock. Captain Thomson, harbourmaster, went out to the big vessel to render assistance, if necessary, and found her safe at anchor. She was drawing 27 feet forward and 50 feet aft. Colonel Bauohop, Officer Commanding the Otago district, went on board about - 10 o'clock, accompanied by Major Grant, V.C., Captain Moore, D.5.0., and Captain Robineon..

WITH THE OFFICIAL PARTY. HEAETY WELCOME BY CAPTAIN ■ HALSEY. Tho official civil party consisted of tho Mayor of Dunedin (Mr W. Downie Stewart) and the Town Clerk (Mr G. A. Lewin); tho chairman (Mr H. E. Moller) and secretary (Mr J. Blair Mason) of the Otago Harbour Board; the president (Mr J. ,F. M. Fraser, K.C.), and the secretary (Mr J. K. Macfie) of the Overseas Club; tho president (Mr J. A. Johnstone) and vice-presi-dent ;(Mr G. R. Ritchie) of tho Navy League); and the Mayor (Mr D. M. Mawson) arid Town Clerk (Mr, A. Leek) of Port Chalmers. Mr B, M. Wilson, Government representative on the New Zealand, accompanied the party. Leaving town at half-past 8 tho party went from Port Chalmers by launch to the North Head, where they transhipped to tho pilot launch, from which they landed on tho battleship at a quarter to 11. They were received by Commander Grace, and escorted ait, whore they wero introduced to Captain Halsey. Mr Stewart, in a few formal words, welcomed Captain Halsey to Otago, and Captain Halsey thanked tho Mayor for his welcome and expressed the pleasure it gave him to bring his ship to all parts of tho dominion.

WELCOME AT PORT CHALMERS. CORDIAL GREETING BY THE MAORIS. Captain Halsey and officers arrived at Port Chalmers at half-past 3, where they were met by Mr D. M. Mawson (Mayor), Major Dodds, and Or Morgan, and escorted to the council chamber. Tho Mayor said tho day was a .very auspicious ono for Port Chalmers.—(Hear, hear.) Ho spoke of the esteem in: which all people held the naval service. Groat men liad been associated with that service. From its ranks had come men nameswero well known in tih'e fields 'of exploration and science.—(Applause.) Sixty odd years ago immigrants came from the Mother Land to this land and set to work to establish cities, and, despite their exile from their native land, maintained their loyalty and their esteem from. the Crown aiid "for its institutions—the army and navy.—(Hear, hear.) The.y wero glad to havo 6uch distinguished representatives of tho navy with them as Captain Halsey and his officers. Captain Halsey's health was honoured amid cheers. In reply, Captain Halsey said it gave him great pleasure to come to Port Chalmers, though he, like themselves, regretted very much that the Now Zealand could not como into the harlwur. There was not the slightest doubt it was a magnificent harbour. He knew there wero great difficulties to contend with, but no difficulty had ever beaten what the people of New Zealand had—namely, zeal. After making passing referenco to being unable to land at Timaru and Oamaru, Captain Halsey went on to express pleasure at being able to anchor at Otago after experiencing 6uch a big wind on Friday. He hoped that the citizens would have a chance of getting aboard the magnificent ship they had given to the Empire.—(Loud applause.) Ho had to thank the people of Port Chalmers for their welcome—(Applause.) If ever he had the pleasure of returning to New Zealand he hoped that the largest of His Majesty's man-of-wars would then be able to conic to Port Chalmers.—(Loud applause.)

WELCOME BY THE MAORIS. ADDRESS TO CAPTAIN HALSEY. Captain Halsey and his officers then made their way to tlio band rotunda to receive ail address xof welcome from the Maori people. Thero was a very large concourso of people, the place was gay with flags, and tho day was beautifully tine, tho proceedings being enbvencd by the presence of tlio Dunedin Pipe Band and a nto and drum band. Tho naval officers were greeted with cheurs and cries of "Haeremai" (welcome). Thero were Natives present from Puketeraki, Otakou, and Henley. An address was read to To Matapura Erihana. Two beautifully worked mats were then presented to Captain Halsey by Mrs Erihana, and it wag explained to the recipient that these rhate wore tokens of tho love and tho friendship of the donors. "It is a small token," said To Matapura Erihana, "but it is our ] custom, and wo aro sincere in making this presentation to you and the grandson of our la,te Majesty, (Jucon Victoria."—(Cheers.) Captain- Halsey, on coming forward to reply, received a warm welcome. Ho said: 1 wish, on behalf of my officers and men, to thank you, tho Maori people, very much indeed for the handsome address and for the words contained in it. As regards the groat gilt given to tho Empire by the people of this dominion, people of the British race, and (Hjople of tlio Maori race. 1 wish to say that the presentation of the ship has made those who may bo our enemies—though I hope they are not—think of the portion of things—(Cheers.) Why? LJccnuso tliey now realise that thoy have not only Great Britain to think about but Greater Britain as well.—(Cheers.) hi presenting thlg battleship New Zealand has clone a great deal in the cause ot peace, because if we want peace we must prepare for war. New Zealand has given the oiner dominions a lead which they have becji rjuick to follow, and she deserves credit lor all she has done. —(Cheers.) I thank the people of Port Chalmers for the reception they have given us; and 1 again thank the Maori people lor their address and also for these handsome mats. Jxmg may they remain on bourd our ship.—(Cheers.) ] know well what the Treaty of Waitangi did for tho Empire. It brought to the Crown the Maori people, who, 1 am bine, are as loyal as any people who have ever becomo attached to the Empire.—(Applause.) On behalf of his Majesty's ship New Zealand I thank you all for what you havo done for us in Port Chalmers to-day.—(Cheers.)

The Maoris fang "The New Zealand Anthem," and the drum aiul life band concluded a most interesting little ceremony by playing " The National Anthem." Before leaving Captain Hnlsoy shook hands with the Maoris, and was photographed with them,

The naval party loft in motor cars for Dunedin.

THE OIVIC RECEPTION. EARLY SETTLERS' HALL CROWDED; A civic reception was accorded Captain Halsey and his ofliccre in tho Early Settlors' Hall (it 4.50, but long before the appointed time tho building, was packed to tho door, and there was a large crowd on the footpat.li who wero unable to obtain admission. While they were waiting for the arrival of his Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Downe Stewart) and Captain Halsey and his officers, an orchestra kept the audience kept entertained with various musical selections

The Mayor, who was greeted with loud applause, said ho was pleased that it was his great privilege to'welcome Captain Halsey and his officers and men to Dunedin. Ho had to apologise for the absence of the Hon. H. D. Bell, who had intended to bo present, but owing to the ferry steamer missing the first express this was impossible. Continuing, tho Mayor said it was not necessary for him to make a speech in welcoming Captain Halsey and his officers'to Dunedin. They had had to listen to a good many speeches since their arrival in New Zealand waters. He felt safe in snyiajj that the visit of tho New Zealand had aroused enthusiasm and interest, in . the citizens of' the dominion such' an had not been seen for many years, and he felt safe in saying that enthusiasm had not been so high among tho people of New Zealand since the Boer War as it was over tho visit of the Dreadnought. The people had looked forward with intense interest to the arrival of tho battle cruiser as well as to the . time they would seo. her and, if possible, havo an opportunity of inspecting her. On the other hand it was safe to say that Captain Halsey had had the utmost anxiety and solicitude, and ho had been indefatigable in h'<* efforts to allow every citizen of New Zealand an opportunity to inspect the cruiser. Ho had visited as many ports as possible, and he had come as close to the port of Dunedin as practicable. That being so. they, as citizens had very great pleasure indeed, in welcoming Captain Halsey and his officers and men to Dunedin. find hoped they would experience pleasant weather during tho remainder of tho. time they were off the Otago Heads. They had been fortunate in having good weather that day,- and a good mnnv people had been enabled to visit H.M.S. New Zealand. • He _ hoped the good weather would be maintained in order that many more citizens would bo ablo to visit the 'vessel. Ho concluded bv hoping that the continuation of tho New Zealand's voyage would be as pleasant as it had been that day.

Mr J. A. Johnstono (president of the Otago Branch of tho Navy League) said that on behalf of the Otago Branch of the Navy League, he extended to Captain Halscy, his officers, and all who served with him a most cordial welcome to those parte. For many months the members of the Leaguo had been looking forward with much interest to this visit, and he need scarcely remark how disappointed it, and indeed the whole community were, when it was made known that in Captain Halsey's judgment the conditions of tho harbour were such as to precludo him from bringing the ship within its entrai.ee. They were convinced, however, that nothing could have been more pleasing to Captain Halsey than to have gratified the desire of the people of Otago in this matter, and for that reason they wero content to accept the will for the deed. The harbour authorities were fully alive to the necessity of providing adequate facilities for. the larger ships of 'these modern days, and hojbclievcd the time was close at hand when even mammoth vessels such as H.M.S. New Zealand would find it perfectly safe to make full use of ;the port. It was due in no small measure to tho work of the league in New Zealand that contributions had been niacin to the Imperial exchequer towards the upkeep of the navy, and he thought they might say that the sentiment fostered by the league throimhout the dominion for an increase in the Imperial fleet was no mean factor in influencing the Legislators to offer through Sir Joseph Ward to the British Treasury those funds that had provided the magnificent ship which Captain Halsey now commanded. The Imperial maritime spirit was I growing in their midst, and there was no fear, of it diminishing whilst they had at tho head of a public affairs such men of knowledge, enthusiasm, and force as tho Hon. James Allen (the President of the branch of the league). Mr Johnstono concluded by expressing tho hope that the visitors would- carry away ; with them pleasant recollections of their brief- visit to Otago.

Captain Halsey was greeted with cheers as ho rose to respond. He said ho was gild to 6ay { .that the fates had been kind to them that'day, and ho was sorry that the climatic conditions had not been better, at Timaru. , He deeply sympathised with the Timaru people, who he knew- had spent an enormous sum of money on festivities to honour tho ship ho commanded. The vessel arrived there on a fine night, and it was line in tho morning, so much so that although there was a bit of a swell on, tho Mayor and official party went off and he had the honour of receiving them on bftard. He was landing with his officers and 200 men at a' quarter past 11 when a squall sprang i«p and in a quarter of on hom'lwlf a galo was blowing. _ There was a big sea running and they did hot land. All on board much regretted what did—or, should he say did not—happen.. A luncheon had been prepared in honour of the men and the officers, and tho people wore also presenting to tho ship an ensign, the Union Jack made of silk, which had been subscribed for by tho ladies of Now Zealand. It was a matter of great regret that ho was unablo to land and receive that Hag at the hands of the people of Timaru. However, asusual, tho army stepped into the breach, and General Godley received, in his niamo that Ensign and Jack, and he had-no doubt that the General had made a far better speech than ho could have made.—(Laughter.) tiedesired to publicly thank General Godley for having come to the rescue of the navy, as tho army usually did to tho navy and tlio navy to the army when either one or the other was in difficulties. The Mayor had re/erred to the interest which was taken m H.M.S. New* Zealand, that conspicuous gift which had made foreign Powers realise what the power of Great Britain and tho Empire was. New Zealand was*, the first- of the overseas dominions to make such an offer, and the New Zealand was the first ship to be built by the dominions, but their example had been followed by other-dominions. Take the Malay States aiiihsce what they proposed, and let them look at what South Africa was pertectly certain to do. All this, he thought ho could say, was to tho credit of New Zealand for having sot the example. The H.M.S. New Zealand left England on February 6, and tho day befojrc she left she was honoured by His Majc-sty King George V paying her a visit. .The King went to Portsmouth to inspect the cruiser, and because New Zealand had given her ho wished to bo tho last to go on board the ship before- she sailed. All this he did for the people of New Zealand, and ho was suro uhay all realised tho honour His Majesty had done them. After leaving England the ship called at South Africa and' they wctc accorded a very great reception by tho South African people, whose enthusiasm was indescribable. Parties visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Bloemfonbein, and (i each place the receptions were of tho most kindly and description. It would bo of interest to New Zcalanders to know the deep interest taken in Africa in the dominion's gift to tho Empire. It was only 11 years since England was at war with South Africa. They would remember that well because of the contingents of men who went there from these shores to fight for tho Empire. Those men showed the stuff they were made of, and this too led to the great interest manifested iu the Dreadnought by South African people. He had visited a military school at Bloemfontein and there sit down to breakfast with 31 officers wearing tho King's uniform. Of these 13 or 15 had fought against England in tho Boer War, but they were as loyal to-day as anyone present at that function. He had had many conversations with these Boers, and he "could assure \m karcra that they were all loyal people in Africa and had been so since peace was declared. One man went to a colonel at Bloemfontcin and asked to be introduced to Captain Halsey, just to say good morning. "And," said Captain Halsey, "ho shook me by tho hand and said good morning, it is good to say good morning this way. The last time I said good morning lo you it was with a six-inch gun at [jiidysmith." Captain Halsey added: "I was in charge of a <1.7-inch gun there. The Boor concluded by saying, " We arc saying good morning in a different way now." Referring to the Navy League, Captain Ilalsey said that since his arrival in New Zealand ho ]iadi seen a good deal of what was being done by the league, particularly by the Uuncdi.ii branch. He had read an essay written by Mies Ethel Johnstone for a -prize given by tho league, and nil he could say was that if the judges had many more essays like it their t,i-k had been a dillicull. one. Bcforo concluding Captain Halsey said that another great disappointment too all on board was I he fact that, owing again to the weather, they were unable on Friday lo anchor oIT O.ininni, where nl.-.o they were to havo got a great reception. lie was to have unveiled there a memorial to Captain Scott and his gallant comrades. He hoped, however, to go to Oamaru on Sunday to

unveil tho mcmoriaL He knew there was great anxiousness for the Now Zealand to como into Otago Harbour. Nothing would have given him greater pleasure than to have dono so, and it was no reflection on tho harbour that lie had not. It would have been perfectly possible to have brought the ship in and perfectly posaiblo to have brought her out. There wa6, however, not sufficient water in which such a long vessel could swing. They had plenty of water in their harbour, and in a few years ho was sure thoy would be able to bring in the biggest ship afloat.—(Applauso.) In conclusion. Captain Halsey said ho hoped that tho people of, Now Zealand would trust the men who 'would be in charge of their ship in tho future, and he assured them that they would bo found worthy of the trust. He hoped that 13 many as possible would visit the vessel during the remainder of her stay at the Heads, and inspect their magnanimous gift to the Empire. The crowd gave three hearty cheers for Captain Halsey and his officers and men at the request of the Mayor, and tho proceedings closed with the singing of tho National Anthem.

THE CHILDREN'S VISIT. All day long, from early morning until late in the.afternoon, tho children attending the State schools, both in the city and in tho country, were being conveyed by train to Port Chalmers and taken from there to tho Heads and to the spot where the warship was anchored, by tho steamers Corinna, Tutanekai, and Hinemoa.

AT THE WARSHIP ON SUNDAY. LARGE CROWD AND GREAT ENTHUSIASM. Sunday's fine weather tempted many people to betake themselves to points of vantage to see tho New Zealand. Looking shorewards from the ship one could see peoplo scattered all alons tho land, especially at the Heads and in tho vicinity of Hayward Point and other parts to the • northward. Outside the Heads there was very littlo swell on tho sea, and the wind was never strong enough to mako tilings uncomfortable for anyone, while towards evening it died away altogether. Steamers leaving Dimedin. starting as early as half-past 9 a.m., took out thousands of peoplo who wore desirous of obtaining as close a.view as ; possible of tho mighty vessel. Tho Tarawera and tho Moura carried great crowds, and the smaller vessels had their full sllaro of eager sight-seers. - In the : afternoon there was again a stream of steamers from Dunedin to the vicinity of the warship, and, in addition, the Maunganui left Port Chalmers with a full load. The tug Plucky was also engaged in transport work, taking from Dunedin a party of journalists and friends. Then there was the " mosquito" fleet—yachts and motor launches—of which there were as many as 50 all round tho New Zealand about' 3 p.m. It was a magnificent sight to 6ee the powerful ship surrounded by her host of humble admirers, so to speak, and it is very satisfactory to bo able to,state that not a single mishap of any kind occurred during the bustle of .the afternoon. This is a tribute to tho orderly arrangements insisted upon by jthe ship's officers. -'.- Many of tho passengers on tho smaller steamers were taken on board the Now Zealand by motor launches, and other 6teamers of the small cla6S went alongside. During the day 2586 persons boarded tho New Zealand. Saturday's number was 720, or ;a total of 3306 for tho two days. . The most courteous attention was shown to visitors by the ship's officers and crew. Fortunately, there was never a. crush on board, though some parts became crowded now and again, and the best of order was: maintained. As-the steamers: turned homewards their occupants raised lusty cheers' for the battleship.

'.. : : VISIT TO ''■';«■ INVERCARGILL, / June-; 3. ■';-■ The battleship 'New-': Zealand dropped anchor outside 1 Bluff Harbour shortlyafter 10 o'clock.' Captain Halsey, in reply; said that the children of the dominion-'-.were receiving an object lesson which would,do good.-.hi, tho cause of. the Empire.; The officers and. men had been treated with the heartiest of hospitality, "and'he was glad that so far. the reports of the men had been good,-. .He. was very glad the battleship-was to visit Kuasell 'because it was there that the Maoris had signed the : Treaty of Waitangi. Ho was very proud to have anchored off Sir Joseph Ward's constituency because he recognised that the.presentation of the battleship was his idea.: It was not for the navy to enter into politics, but he thought, they should give credit to tho'Government in power when the gift was made, and/to the present Government for having done so much.'"to. ensure the success'of the cruise;;;-,;' ;c-'

About 12,000 people from all parts : of; Southland visited Bluff .to see the battle-; ship. Arrangements had 7 been made to enable the school children to be taken cut on tendering steamers, and this works! well for several hours. Early in the afternoon, however, the crowd at the wharf burst the barriers and rushed the wharf and the steamers. This resulted in considerable delay, and on the Tutanekai the hose was turned on to the gangway to keep the invaders back. The weather; throughout the day was showery, but on the whole the arrangements made for handling the crowd worked fairly well. : .Tho battleship sailed westward through the straits in the evening, giving a brilliant searchlight display which ::.was; visible irom Invercargall. ■-. ■'. -;;;'; 5 ;-;> .. ; ;;.

ARRIVAL AT GREYMOUTH. : . GREYMOUTH. June 5.v H.M.S. New Zealand arrived off Grey roadstead at 8 ' o'clock ? this morning anchoring about'three:miles out. The weather was unfavourable, a stiff nor'wester blowing and the sea At 10 o'clock the Harbour Board tug, with the chairman and officials, and the Mayor and councillors, left to pay an official visit. Grave' doubts were expressed whether the party wouM be able to board. On arriving alongside this was seen to be an impossibility, but the tug managed to get within speaking distance, and a hearty welcome was extended to Captain Halsey, and was suitably acknowledged.'. The Tutanekai, with about, 1500 children from Hokitika, circled around the battleship. Great disappointment was expressed at their being unable to board. The Kairaki also took out adults. On account of the heavy seas, communication was established by means of a line, along which mails and other articles were delivered. /; ■• > - NELSON, June 9. ' H.M.S. New Zealand sailed this evening for Picton. The day's proceedings passed off very successfully. Nearly 3000 school children inspected the battleship during tho day, besides a very large number of adults. A great crowd attended the sports this afternoon, and there will be a bandsome surplus over the expenditure on the festivities. •

THE PRESENTATION MEDAL. WELLINGTON, May 26. ■ The Government is striking a medal for presentation to the officers and men of H.M.S. New Zealand. The medal will be of solid silver, rather larger and thicker than a half-crown piece, weighing 18dwt and measuring 34 millimetres in diameter. On one side will be a representation of the battle-cruiser, and on- the _ other the armorial bearings of the dominion over the inscription, -: Dominion of New Zealand. To the officers and crew,of H.M.S. New Zealand, 1913." It is "hoped the medals will be available for presentation before the ship leaves the dominion.

VrSIT TO PICTON. PICTON, June 10. New Zealand Day in Picton was celebrated in beautiful weather. Largo crowds came down from Blenheim by tram, and launches brought many Sounds residents. The warship anchored just outside Mabel Island, having arrived from Nelson at half-past 8. The Mayors of Picton and .Blenheim and the chairman of the local bodies paid an ollicial visit to the ship, after which Captain Ilalsey and a party of officers landed. They were met at the head of the wharf by a parfy of Maoris under the chiefs Koto and Love, who danced hakas of welcome, and on whose behalf an address was presented to Captain Halsoy. After the captain had replied lie returned the ollicial visit at the Council Chambers. Several speakers shaped their speeches in the direction of drawing an expression of opinioni from Captain Ilaleey with regard to the advantages of Picton Harbour as a naval base. Captain Ilalsey replied expressing his own views, ;uul not ut. representing the Admiralty. l f iom a naval olficor'6 standpoint, he said, it was really the finest harbour in New Zealand.

Queen Charlotte Sound had peculiar advantages, being a landlocked place wherein at any time of the year ships could lie with safety. He was entirely in accord with what had been said in favour of Picton as a naval base. It was a most suitable place from a strategic point of view for a naval harbour. The entrance was so easily defended. He concluded by saying that in the years to come he hoped to see the harbour a naval base. Captain Halsey reiterated the ' statements when acknowledging the presentation by the Cook- Memorial Committee. The next function -was tho presentation to Captain Halsey of an enlarged framed photograph of the Cook memorial at Ship Cove, which- was unveiled last February. In the afternoon the members of- the ship's crew were entertained at a sports meeting, while hockey, football, and rifle matches also took place. This evening the captain and the officers were entertained at a ball, at which the Governor and tho Hon. F, 51. B. Fisher were also present.. RETURN TO WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, June 11. H.M.S. New Zealand arrived at Wellington to-day on a return visit to the port. The vessel left Picton at 6.30 o'clock this morning, and was in the stream at a quarter to 12. The huge vessel berthed at the King's wharf without any assistance, even the services of a pilot not being required. /