THE EMPIRE CRUISE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19108, 29 February 1924, Page 5

THE EMPIRE CRUISE

RECEPTION AT PERTH. KING’S MESSAGE DELIVERED. Trow AMoeiaiioTS—By Telegraph—Copyright PERTH, February 28. Various functions connected -with the arrival of the fleet included a' State luncheon at which Admiral Sir Frederick Field delivered the King's message, in which His Majesty greets Australia, and stating that he is deeply interested m the cruise. The city is en fete. SOUTH AFRICA AND THE NAVY. By all accounts the visit of the special service squadron to Capetown and Durban has been very- successful, not only from the social standpoint, but in deepening the sense of the dependence of Csouth Africa upon the navy, says the Army and Gazette. It was not mere talk that was indulged in at the banquets given to the officers and men, for RearAdmiral Sir Rudolf Bentwick was able to announce that the Admiralty would lend the Union a light cruiser if the.maintenance of such a vessel would be undertaken. The proposal seems to have struck home in the minds of many leading citizens, and good should come of it. Already South Africa has taken over a surveying vessel and two minesweepers from the Royal Navy, and by the patriotism of Mr T. B. If. Davis, in memory of his son, who was killed in Flanders in 1915, she iias an efficient training ship,, the General Botha, in service, under the command of Captain R. R. Kosoman, D. 5.0., R-v As Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick Field said at Capetown, however, while South Atnca lias made a good beginning, she needs a ship at least of the status of a light cruiser.