THE EMPIRE CRUISE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19041, 11 December 1923, Page 7

THE EMPIRE CRUISE

FIRST PORT OF CALL. SQUADRON AT SIERRA LEONE. WARM WELCOME EXTENDED. Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright SIERRA LEONE, December d. The naval squadron which is on the Empire cruise has arrived here, this being its first port of call. It was warmly welcomed. Elaborate arrangements were ‘ made for its reception and entertainment. —Reuter. SAFETY FIRST. ADMIRALTY AVOIDS RISKS. IFbom Cub Own Cobbebpondent.) WELLINGTON, December 10. With reference to the remarks mad© at the recent meeting of tho Canterbury branch of the Navy League that the South Island ■was being neglected, it appears that it is simply and solely the question of safety 'first that is weighing with the Admiralty in not sending the Hood and the Repulse to the southern ports. Owing to the enormous value of these ships, their groat length and heavy draught, tho Admiralty cannot he expected to incur any risk in regard to their berthing, and it should be borne in mind that in the event of their sustaining even minor damage there is no cl6ck in New Zealand capable of accommodating them. In regard to the berthing of the Renown at Lyttelton the Minister of Defence (Sir R. Heaton Rhodes) states that the Repulse is bulged, and therefore draws more water, and is in addition more awkward to berth than the Renown.