THE LABOUR PARTY AND NAVAL DEFENCE.
tO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Some years ago a large sailing vessel under the American flag, Helen B. Stirling, was almost sinking some hundred or two miles north of New Zealand. Luckily she had wireless aboard and sent out an S.O.S. The New Zealand station recived this, and the only boat with which they could get in touch was the H.M.S. Melbourne, which was making her first trip to New Zealand. The cruiser at once went full steam ahead to the scene with funnels red hot, and rescued the crew of the Helen B. Stirling including, if I remember aright, the wife and the daughter of the captain. Afterwards the great work of the Melbourne was recognised by the United States Government in no small way. What I would like to known is whether I am right or wrong if I say that at that time or about that time, the present Leader of the Labour Party, Mr Holland, was making a statement in the House of Parliament that there was no need for any ships of war in these waters. I have never seen published any explanation from Mr Holland or anyone else. Perhaps this does not concern this party, but it does concern other people.—l am, etc.. Union Jack. Dunedin, October 23.
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Otago Daily Times, Issue 20548, 25 October 1928, Page 19
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219THE LABOUR PARTY AND NAVAL DEFENCE. Otago Daily Times, Issue 20548, 25 October 1928, Page 19
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