CRUISE OF THE NEW ZEALAND

Otago Witness, Issue 3084, 23 April 1913, Page 30

CRUISE OF THE NEW ZEALAND

VISITORS TO THE VESSEL. ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE GALA. EXPEDITION TO WERAROA. (Fbom Oub Own Coeeesponoent.) WELLINGTON, April 15. At last the weather has broken, and today the battleship New Zealand rides at anchor in a liarbour unruffled by boisterous winds and under a cloudless sky from which a warm sun shines. Wellington is in her best mood to-day, and the change is relished by both citizens and the visitors. This afternoon the battleship was besieged by a small army of school children from the Glyde, Quay. Roseneath, and Te ! Aro Schools. The children were taken across to the New Zealand in the Government steamer Tutanekai, and in a very short space of time were here, there, and everywhere on the vessel. The members of the crew took charge of small battalions, and showed them all the wonders of the ship, answering all questions and imparting much information. Twenty non-commissioned officers of the Royal New Zealand Artillery also visited the vessel. A party of 200 men from the Now Zealand left Wellington by special train today for Woraroa, under Lieutenant Jones and Warrant Officer Mack, the direction of the trip being under Mr B. Wilson, of the Tourist Department. The journey up was extremely interesting to all. On all hands inquiries wore made about the country, but the chief delight of the visitors was in the Maori names. Paokakariki was the subject of interest and amusement, and if the number of labels taken as trophies from the railway station to send abroad as curiosities was calculated ns being used for the despatch of luggage, Paokakariki would have about the biggest record in New Zealand to-day. On arrival at Weraroa the party was met by Mr Robertson, M.P., and Mr Gardener, Mayor. A close holiday had been declared, and it looked os if the whole countryside had turned out. The roadway was lined with school children, Senior Cadets, and mounted men, while a score of Natives gave the visitors a demonstrative welcome in the approved fashion of the race. Mr Robertson addressed the visitors from the steps of the railway station when they were formed up. He said that the gift of the New Zealand was prompted by one idea and one ideal—the defence of our race and the maintenance of all it stood for. Ho hoped it would not only develop and bring about co-operation in defence, but that in time to come the national deferences would bo torn asunder, and universal peace established. He accorded the officers and men a hearty welcome. Mr Gardener also welcomed the visitors on behalf of the townspeople. Everyone, ho said, knew that the defence of New Zealand was necessary, and the gift ship was an indication that we realised our own necessities and appreciated our dependence on the Empire as a whole. After the formal welcome the visitors were marched to the racecourse, where a programme of sports was gone, through. The original intention was to visit the State Farm, but the rain of the bust few lays had made the ground very wet, and

the local committee decided on a change of venue. , CITIZENS’ BALL. WELLINGTON, April 15. 1 H.M.S. New Zealand this evening presented a fine spectacle, the hull, 'masts, etc., being effectively outlined with electric lights ; which, reflected on the still surface of the water, made up a pretty picture that attracted much attention from the shore. To-night the officers were entertained at a Citizens’ Ball in the Town Hall, which is lavishly decorated for the occasion, and t’ne function is ono of the most brilliant held j in Wellington. AN EXPLANATION. SALUTES FROM FORTS AND WARSHIPS WELLINGTON, April 15 Referring to a paragraph an the telegraphed report of the proceedings at the arrival of H.M.S. New Zealand touching the absence of a salute from the forte, the ! Prime Minister pointed out to-day that the | King’s Regulations and the New Zealand i general regulations state distinctly that his j Majesty’s ships and 'lie Majesty’s forts shall not exchange salutes in any part of big Majesty’s dominions. His explanation was ! made a.; the paragraph referred to appeared to reflect on the defence authorities and the Government. SPORTS AT NEWTOWN PARK. JACK TARS AT PLAY. (From Our Own oorresiunuenx.) WELLINGTON, April 16. Jack ashore is generally credited with the capacity lor making tun, and the sailors hom tlie warship proved to be no exception when they undertook to entertain the citizens of W ellington at Newtown Park this afternoon. Alter the luncncon at the Town Hall the man-o'-warsmen marched through the streets trailing their field guns, the admired of ad observers and of these there wore many. Every street en route was lined with spectators, who greeted the Jack Tars with cheers. As for the sailors, it was easy to see that they were out for the day. Discipline was judiciously relaxed. The men smoked and chatted easily in the ranks, exchanged nods and smiles with the crowd, and with tprigs of fern in tiicir caps and ridiculously large button holes presented a gay and festive appearance. On their arrival at t’ae park tnoy were greeted with a “Komatc, komate, kuura! kaura. from a party of Maoris appropriately costumed for the occasion, and later in the afternoon some of the Jack Tars showed their appreciation of the rousing haka by getting the words off by heart and rehearsing it amongst themselves. The public did not fail to support t'ne fete, for during t'ne afternoon the crowd on the banks reached quite 10,000. Without any loss of time the sports were commouccil, and the spectators settled down to a good afternoon's fun. The warship’s band was stationed in the centre of the oval, couiscs were set out for the various events, and the w'liole thing went off with a swing. There were sports grave and gay. One of the most entertaining events of the afternoon was the field gun display by two gun squads. The men were put through various marching evolutions and gun drill, finishing up with four rounds of blank and a march past, which was

something to witness. Most of the evolutions were carried out to music, and were very pretty to watch. Added to these events were sailors’ hornspipes and Scotch reels by a local party of dancing girts in costume, and display of physical drill by a squad from the Wellington Y.M.C.A. Company of Senior Cadets The sports were concluded shortly after 4 o’clock, by which time the gusty northerly began to blow chilly and inhospitably, driving many of the sightseers off along the homeward track. The Citizen’s Carnival Sports Committee assisted in the carrying out of the programme, which worked with smoothness - and celerity from start to finish. During the afternoon the Prime Minister visited the Park and remained some time an interested spectator of the sports. THE CITIZENS’ BALL. Very brilliant was the Town Hall last night, when the citizens’ ball given to welcome our naval visitors was hold. The night was perfect, and a charming setting to the festivities was the sight of H.M A New Zealand, a “ship of golden stars ” set on the velvet blackness of the water. The corridors and staircase of the hail were a perfect avenue of foliage, cool and green and graceful. The arches of verdure ami the red carpet made an effective setting for the pretty frocks. The tinted roof of patriotic icd, white, and blue was continued in graceful festoons along the edge of the galleries, under which was a delicate outlining of cyelopodium and red flowers. The supper decorations were elaborate and effective. Asparagus fern and scarlet salvias and cactus dahlias were mainly used, with trails of exquisite autumn-tinted Virginia creeper. The official set was as follows :-Hon. W. Massey and Mrs North, Commander Grace and Mrs Godlcy. Captain Halsey and Mrs Massey, Councillor Shirtcliffe and Mrs Palmer. Hon. 11. D. Bell and Miss fihirteliffe, Mr J. B. Harcourt and Mrs Fisher, Captain Turner and Mrs Herdman, Councilor Barber and Lady Stout. LUNCHEON AT THE TOWN HALL. COMPLIMENTARY SPEECHES. A big draft of men from the Now Zealand embarked on the Duchess to-day, and were landed at the ferry wharf. The party marched along Jcrvois quay to the Town Hall, where they wore entertained at luncheon by the citizens of Vv ellington. The arrangements for the luncheon were unfortunately not of the best. When the men reached the Town Hall the committee found that the food then on the premises was insufficient for the company, and after the seamen had been kept waiting for half an hour in'the street they were marched inside and accommodated with seats in the gallery until such time as the committee had a chance to get matters in order. At about 12.20 p.m. the men took their scats 'at the tables, much to their relief. The Mayor (Mr D. M‘Laren) presided, and sealed on his right was Captain Blount. E.N.R., and on his left Gunner Willis. Amongst those present were Archdeacon Harper, Mr R. Fletcher (chairman of the Harbour Board), and members of the City Council. . , A number of toasts were proposed and responded to. A MAORI WELCOME. The party from the warship which took j a run into tlio country yesterday, appear

to have had a very interesting and enjoyable time. The cordiality of the Maori welcome was very marked. To Kercihi Roera read an address in Maori to Lieut. Jones, the following being a translation: “To Captain Halsey, R.N., Commander H.M.S. Now Zealand, your officers and all of his Majesty’s subjects in your ship who are under your command : Friends, salutations on behalf of myself and the represented portion of chiefs of the Native race of New Zealand now assembled here to-day, to give you and your officers and all the shivi’s company under vour command a most cordial welcome to the land and the home and the shore of our ancestors. welcome to New Zealand, to the land where live our late guardians. Lady and Sir Joseph Ward, to whom we are indebted for their thoughtfulness in presenting his Majesty with this great asset, and further, for naming this great asset 'New Zealand.’ It is the honest desire and prayer of your Native fnc-nds of New Zealand, that whenever you 04a; asked to defend your country, and all subjects under the British flag, that God will ho ac your right hand, and that he will lead you to victory on all occasions. Seeing that we are loyal subjects under his Most Gracious Majesty’s rule, we offer our most cordial welcome to you, who will be our guardian in this dominion. Kia ora. To Kercihi Roera.” After the assembled Natives had given a haka. Lieutenant Jones was presented with a Maori puipui. When the day’s fun was over, the men, accompanied by the local band and the band from the Wcraroa Training harm, marched to the railway station, whore they embarked for Wellington. A notable feature of the outing was the excellent bearing and conduct of -the sailors. A more orderly or better disciplined crowd of young fellows could hardly be found. One would hardly have noticed their presence in the train, save for the hearty manner in which they returned the friendly greetings which were spontaneously waved to them from front doors and passing buggies. As the special sped through the country everybody appeared to have a kindly wave of the hand for Jack, and Jack gracefully indicated that he appreciated the fact. OFFICERS ENTERTAINED. SPEECH BY CAPTAIN HALSEY. SOME INTERESTING FACTS. {From Our Own Correspondent.; WELLINGTON. April 17. An enthusiastic welcome was given to Captain Halsey and other officers of 11.M.5. Now Zealand by tVie members of the New Zealand Club, who entertained them at luncheon to-day. The officers present wore Captain Halsey, Engineer-commander T. H. Turner, Staff Paymaster P. F. K. Hanham, and Chaplain Scott. A.mong the other .guests wore the Prime Minister (the Hon. W. F. Massev). and the Mayor of Wellington (Mr D. M’Laren). The Hon. C. M. Luke presided, and there were upwards of 200 people present. The C’-iairman said that ho was very happy to be able to extend a welcome to Captain Halsey and his officers —(applause} such a welcome os naval officers could be certain of receiving in any part of the British Dominions. The British were custodians of great traditions, and those additions had been established very largely by the British Navy. They must all regret fno necessity for war, but they believed also that the British Navy was the best possible assurance of the peace of the world. Ho had very great pleasure, too, in welcoming the Prime Minister —(Applause ) Such a round of applause as has never before been beard at the club’s board greeted Captain Halsey when he rose to speak. He esteemed it a very great honour, he said, to be allowed to be present as their truest, and ho said this not only on his own behalf, but on behalf of the officers who were lucky enough to bo with him. He was well aware that the reason for his presence was that he had the honour to command that magnificent shin wh’ch New / a landers had presented to the Empire. Ho felt that this was a great responsibility. Apart from the fact that he was a err-at ship, he felt that they would never be away from the gaze of patriotic New Zealanders, therefore it behoved all who served on tlie ship to have “every button on duty” at all times. Captain Ha’soy went on to speak of the ship. Tiie amount of stuff put into the vowel was marvellous. Could they realise that every one of those eight 12-inch guns was 47ft long. Each gun weighed 60 tons and cost £l3 000. It was a huge expenditure, but it was all for tfho one object, the object of peace. Every time one of those guns was fired with a full cha,rge it meant an expenditure of 60 golden sovereigns. When a broadside was fired the weight of the projectiles was something like three tons, and the ooat of that broadside would bo about £4 C 0 On board the chip tlmre were 80 rounds per gun. so they could throw away a lot of money when the time came. If it ever should come when they had to throw all that, money out of the ship he hoped and believed that the officers and men would bo so trained that they would throw it out to effect.—(Applause.) Training was essential to successful naval warfare. They had an engine room complement of 330 officers and men, and if they were not well trained the guns would not he a bit of good. The captain must bo able to rely upon theship steaming at her proper pace. If ho could not, the ship would not bo efficient. There were other departments also. There were many carpenters and mechanics by whom the repairs had to be made. They wou'd have steamed something like 50.000 miles when they returnee! Homo after their cruise, and, although they would not, ho hoped, go into any dock, they would arrive in such a fit state that, if required, they would be ready, still ready, to fight, and, if possible, more efficient than when they started out. The ship was built at Glasgow by the Fairfield Company, and he did wish to put in a word for the builders. The Fairfield Company was as keen as the people of New Zealand, th« donors of the ship, and as keen as the officers and men of the plrp. to make the New Zealand a well-built ship, and the company -deserved fioim- recognition for having done so. The present cruise had been, up till the present, the most interesting cruise he had ever made, and lie was looking forward to still more interesting times ahead. They had had a magnificent welcome in Wellington, and they all krmw they would enjoy their visit to New Zealand. He referred to the magnificent reception given to the ship in South Africa. Undoubtedly that welcome, was given in ad

miration of what the people of New Zealand had done for the Empire. The people of South Africa realised, as the people in England realised, that the New Zealanders, in com.ng forward as they did at such a time as they did, wore pioneers of the great movements that nad taken place since.— (“ Hear, hear.”) The gift of the ship had done much to preserve the peace of the world.—(Applause.) At the time the gift was made ho had read the comments made upon it in foreign newspapers, and from those comments he felt he was justified in saying that the gift had made the peace of the world a groat deal more secure. He was delighted to notice the splendid arrangements made by the Government here to send children on board the ship. He was perfectly certain those days on which they came on board the ship would bo red-letter days in their lives, to be remembered even until “ they are old and ugly like you and mo.”—(Laughter.) Ho was very sorry that the visit was so short, that time did not permit of having days for the children alone. It might then have been possible to show them the ship much more thoroughly, but every effort would be made to show them everything that they could bo shown, and he believed the effect of this" would be to educate them in Imperial ideas so far as the navy was concerned. Ho hoped the trust reposed in himself and h : s officers and men would never bo found to be misplaced. This ho could s.ay: No pains would be spared by them in their endeavour to make the ship fit, efficient, and ready to fight. He hoped that if the day over came when she would bo put to the test, New Zealanders would bo proud of what the New Zealand would do.—(Applause.)

The Hon. W. F. Massey rose to propose a vote of thanks to Canta : n Halsey for his address. Ho thanked members of the club for th-e hearty reception given him. They were all very glad, he raid, to see Captain Halsey and his officers and men, and to see his ship in New Zealand waters floating in the harbour of Wellington. It was not Captain Halsey’s first visit, but some of his officers had come for the first time, although they were known already to New Zealanders as men who had done the Empire good service. Ho hoped the people of Now Zealand would give them all a very good time, and that the officers and men would have very pleasant recollections of the weeks spent among the people of this dominion. The time would come-V-------ho believed it must come—when there would bo at least one Imperial ship stationed in New Zealand waters, and he hoped that some of the officers of the ship now in port would be officers of the ships to be stationed in Now Zealand, perhaps in the not far distant future. Anything that the people or the Government could do to make thn present trip an enjoyable one they would willingly do. The motion was carried by hearty acclamation. The company sang “ God, save the King,” and cheers wore given for Captain Halsey and the officers and men_ o! the New Zealand and for the Prime Minister. CHILDREN IN THOUSANDS. COURTESY OF THE OFFICERS. (Fkoii Onn Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, April 17. The children swarmed over the r.hip {writes a Post reporter after a visit to the warship). They clambered up into Ihe fighting topi; at the peril of their lives. They swarmed up the network beneath the boats on t'ue high davits, which well overhung the water. They insinuated ehcnisei ves into the holes and corners wherever a child could go, and they positively outcrowflcd the lower deck and besieged the bakehoue-s, where the bread and buns were being made. Nothing was sacred from their inquisitive fingers. They touched and handled everything. The children came aboard in thousands, the Hincmoa and Tutanokei taking off load after load of children. Only one part of the ship was sacred —Captain Halsey’s quarters —and that was where everyone wanted to go. Watertight bulkheads effectually cut those quarter* of) from the resi ol the ship. It seemed as if the whole of the officers were engaged as pilots, not excepting the chaplain. , . , , , The Janie Scddon, freighted with heads of Government Departments, with Colonel Collins in charge, showed up alongside the gangway. The Harbour Hoard and the Municipal Council, headed by the chairman (Mr K. Fletcher) and the Mayor (Mr D. M’L.aren) were just then filtering up the ladder from the Natuone. Ladies were invited in this party, and freely accepted the invitation. Captain Halsey was a perfect picture of affability. As the Harbour Board and municipal party stepped on board Captain Halsey broke it up into tens and twelves and sent it around the ship in charge of a midshipman. Eventually the small detachments lost their pilots or got lost themselves, but for all the trouble and all the ferment caused by such an overwhelming but pacific loading of the ship no officer’s face wore a bored expression, no bluejacket or marine was too busy to explain any intricate detail (far beyond the unmcchanic-al mind) of a quickfirer or a big gun. The result to most people must have been a confusion of 'rnprossions, a delirious mind picture of guns, glitter, and children, a sensation of fat, warm temperatures, and cold blasts of a;r, a din of' children’s voices, officers’ commands. and bluejackets’ explanations falling on dulled car drums. When the New Zealand puts to sea again there should be experienced by all on board a blessed lull, a holy calm, 'broken only by the rhythmic boats of the propellers and the steady hum of the turbines. Out at sea will come peace. But the ship’s company bear their trials with fortitude. _ The Woraroa Training Farm Cadets came to town to-day with their hand and pipes. Major Burhnson was in charge, The boys visited the New Zealand, and a 100 marched thr. igh the city. (’ plain Ha'sey visited the Amokura today This afternoon Captain Halsey and soy. . al of his officers called on Mrs Seddor and thanked her for the silver bowl whrli she had presented in. memory of her lit > husband for competition amongst the ship’s company, and also for the portrait of her late husband, which they very much appreciated. A special train this morning carried 200 m n from the, warship to Feathorston. Ron fell on the Wellington side of the h ’l. but it was quite fine at Frathcrston. On arrival there was a large crowd at the station, and a hearty welcome was given. The party was welcomed by Mr J. W. Card (chairman of the Town Board), Mr

Sykes, M.P., and Manihera (on behalf of the Natives). A number of Maoris also gave an old-time welcome, which was appreciated by the men. Luncheon was held in the Town Hall, and the arrangements in the Town Hall. Sports were held m afternoon SIR JOSEPH WARD HONOURED. HIS PORTRAIT FOR THE WARSHIP. WELLINGTON, April 17. In recognition of the part played by Sh Joseph Ward in the gift of H.M.S. New Zealand by this dominion to the Imperial navy, a handsome enlarged photograph of the late Prime Minister was presented to Captain Halsey at the concert chamber of the Town Hall to-day. The presentation was made by the Mayor (Mr D. M Laren), who presided over a large audience. Among those present was a considerable number of ladies. Captain Halsey was accompanied by several officers and midshipmen from the battleship. The portrait, which was framed in polished oak, bore a small silver plate below, on which was the following inscriptionßight Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, Bart., P.C., K.C.M.G., who was Prime Minister of New Zealand when the gift of this ship by the people of the dominion was offered to the Imperial navy. “ I am called upon,” said the Mayor, “ as Mayor, to present a portrait of Sir Joseph Ward, who was Prime Minister at the time the battleship New Zealand was presented to the Imperial authorities, to Captain Halsey as a small gift to the ship which wo are all so pleased to see floating in our harbour. I wish to explain „..at the intrinsic worth of the portrait is not what we consider, but simply that it is an expression of the feeling of harmony that exists between yourself, your officers, and crew, and ourselves as citizens of this country. The men of the ship are New Zealanders in the sense that we all are New Zealanders. We are residing here as part not merely of a small country, _ but as a part of a great Empire, and it is in spirit of true comradeship and fellowship that wo are pleased to have you with us. In the Old Land there was presented to the ship—and I understand the picture is in the captain’s cabin—a portrait of a one-time Prime Minister, a man of great force of character, the Hon. Richard Scddon.— (Applause.) The people of New Zealand will think it fitting and proper that there should also be added a portrait of Sir Joseph Ward.”—(Applause.) Captain Halsey, who was cordially received. said: “ I can only thank you very much indeed, on behalf of my officers and ship’s company, for your gift to us as a memento of f? ; r Joseoh Ward.—(Applause.) The Mayor has said ho has no politics. I, as captain of the New Zealand,_ certainly have no politics. Whatever politics are or may bo, I can only say one thing: that is that everyone in the Empire knows that, whatever your differences in politics in the dominion of Now Zealand may bo, you all work for one end only—that is, the Empire. Wo have, of course, for years and years known it by all that has been clone by the dominion, but more did we know it when that spontaneous and magnificent offer was made to the Empire. You have hero now before your eyes the outcome of that offer. I feel sure I am correct in saying that that offer was looked upon with jealous eyes by those who may bo our enemies in the future. The world knows full well that in dealing with Great Britain they have to deal with Greater Britain, the great Empire to which we have the honour to belong. When, as qpmmandcr of the flagship Powerful, I came out in 1905, I had the honour and privilege of meeting the then Prime Minister (Mr Secldon), whose portrait was not in the cabin, but out on the main deck amidships, where everybody could see it. I hope that thereabouts this portrait will also be hung.” FOOTBALL MATCH. WELLINGTON. April 17. A Rugbv football team from the warship played the’ Oriental Club Fifteen, and was beaten by 28 points to 14. VISIT TO DUNEDIN. The Hon. Secretary of the local branch of the Navy League, in response to an in?uiry on Thursday afternoon, received the ollowing authoritative statement on the question of amending or extending the dates on which H.M.S. New Zealand will anchor off the Otago Heads: —“ Regret very much impossible to alter dates. — Captain Halsey, New Zealand.” GOVERNMENT ENTERTAINS THE OFFICERS. SPEECH BY THE PRIME MINISTER. CAPTAIN HALSEY IN REPLY. WELLINGTON, April 13. Captain Halsey and the officers of H.M.S. Now Zealand were guests of honour at a complimentary luncheon tendered to them by the Government in the Town Hall to-day. There were upwards of 300 present, and the company was representative of the official, commercial, and professional men of the city, and also of the province of Wellington. An interesting and picturesque party at the luncheon was that of u. number of representatives of the Native race. Music was supplied by the orchestra from the battleship. The Hon. W. F. Massey (Prime Minister) presided, and seated with him on either hand wore Captain Halsey, Commander Grace, Engineer Commander Turner, Lieut. North, and Chaplain Scott, of H.M.S. New Zealand. Lieut. Donuistoun, of H.M.S. Pyramus; Sir Robert Stout (Chief Justice), Sir Joshua Williams, Mr Justice Edwards, Mr Justice Dcnniston, Mr Justice Chapman, and Mr Justice Cooper, the Hon. H. D. Bell, the Hon. A. L. Herd man, the Hon. W. Fraser, Colonel Herd, Bishop Sprott, Mr D. M‘Laron (Mayor of Wellington), and Mr R. Fletcher (chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board). The Prime Minister tendered apologies on behalf of tho Hon. W. H. Herrics, the Hon. R. H. Rhodes, the Hon. Dr Pomaro, Sir James Prendergaot, Mr Justice Sim, and a number of members of both Houses of Parliament. All the toasts were, proposed by tho Prime Minister. The first, that of “ Tho King,” was enthusiastically honoured, the band playing the National Anthem. Tho company next drank tho health of “ The Governor.” Proposing tho latter toast tho Prime Minister said that only a stern sense of duty in another direction had kept his Excellency away from the function that day, and from earlier functions in connec-

tion with tho visit of the battleship. The Earl and Countess of Liverpool had been here for a very few months, but it also was evident that when their time came to leave this country it would be said that they would rank with some of the most popular representatives of his Majesty the King who had ever come to New Zealand. _ _ “ Now gentlemen,” said the Prime Minister, “I have the honour to propose a toast in which wc are all intensely interested, and which has brought us here this afternoon, and this is the toast of “ Tho Navy,” coupled with the name of Captain Halsey. I think you will agree with me in the opinion I am going to express, that the presence of Captain Halsey and his officers in this hall this afternoon and the visit of the warship to New Zealand waters marks an epoch in tho history' of this country. It is true that the groat warship is not under the control of the Xew Zealand Government, but we remember with pride tho fact that it has been to the ipatriotism and Imperialism of New Zealanders that the battleship owes its existence.—(Applause.) There may be some difference of opinion as to the manner in which the people of Now Zealand should take up the burdens of Empire, but there is no difference of opinion as to the maintenance of the supremacy of the Imperial Navy, or as to any other Imperial matter.—(Applause.) Gentlemen, the old order changeth, yielding place to new. Time was, perhaps centuries ago, when a trading vessel could be converted into a lighting ship at comparatively short notice. Time was when the British seaman did not require the amount of training ho requires to-day. It is well known now that from the time the keel of a battleship is laid, until she is ready for service two years must elapse, and even two years is not a sufficient time for the training of a British seaman. Certainly it is not sufficient for the training of a British officer. The conclusions to bo drawn from these facts are these: That courage is not everything nowadays; that modern ships and armaments and efficient officers and men count for a very great .“i deal more. I am glad to bo able to say that what has happened during recent years has had tho effect of bringing the different countries of the British Empire more closely together into a state of preparedness for any possible antagonist, whether that antagonist should appear in the North Sea or the South Pacific; and, gentlemen, if we are to keep control of the sea, if we are to maintain the Empire of the sea, and on our holding the Empire of the sea depends to a very great extent almost altogether the existence of the great* Empire of which we form a part,—then I say there must be no holding back. There must bo no halting between two nations. Every part of the Empire and every individual must he prepared to do his duty'.—(Applause.) It may suit some parts of tho Empire to build their own warships and man their own warships, but, however that may be, when the timp of trouble, or if the time of trouble comes, at the first shot fired every ship shall become an Imperial ship under Imperial control.—(Applause.) That is tho only way of safety." There must be a strong, solid, and steady desire on tho part of the British people to keep the British flag flying in every country whore it flies to-day, and it is for the good of tho world, for the good of mankind, that such should be the case, because, with all our faults, and failings, and imperfections, it is a fact, and one that cannot be disputed, that British .citizens have carried freedom, enlightenment, and knowledge to the uttermost corners of tho earth'. Coming back to the warship, I should like to say this —and I want to assure Captain Halsey and his officers that I , speak not only as the representative of the European people, but also of tho Maori brothers, who I am glad to see are with us this afternoon—wo shall always have tho keenest possible interest in the welfare of the shin and her officers and men in whatever part of the world they may go. If tho time comps when tho fighting qualities of the ship will be tested in actual warfare, and the skill and efficiency of the officers and men al-o tested, then T am absolutely certain of this: that both the ship and tho men will do credit to tho Brit ish navy, and to tho loyal little counhy after which tho ship has been named.—(Applause.) The Prime Minister reminded his hearers of what took place during the dark and , troublesome days of the Boor war, an.J ’ of the fact that important services were j rendered in that war by naval landing parties. He was glad that at least one of the seamen who served in this way was with them that afternoon.—-(Applause.) He was referring to Captain Halsey, and tho prominent part that ho took in the defence cf Ladysmith—(Applause.) The Prime Minister, in concluding, expressed a hope that Captain Hasley, his officers, and men would have a very enjoyable time while they remained here, and would take away when they left very pleasant recollections of tho citizens of New Zealand, who were of the same blood, owed allegiance to the same King, were sharers in tho same destiny, and whose manhood, if ever the • occasion required, would fight for the same flag. When the toast was called the band played, and tho company sang “ Pule Britannia.” Afterwards a party of Maoris saluted Captain Halsey and his officers with a chant of welcome. When Captain HaVey rose to reply the company rose with him. and ho was loudly cheered : and applauded. lie expressed his thanks on his own behalf and that of his officers for tho kind things Mr Massey had said, and also \ for the way in which the company had drunk the toast of the important service to which he had the honour to belong. Captain Halsey said that he had read with regret statements that surprise and indignation were felt at a lack of enthusiasm in 1 tho welcome accorded his ship. “ I know New Zealand well,” he continued, “and I say that great enthusiasm was displayed by all you citizens of Wellington when your ship, tho New Zealand, steamed into Wellington Harbour.—(Applause.) I am speaking here for every single officer and 1 man on board tho ship. We have come here, gentlemen, manning his Majesty’s ship New Zealand, so magnificently given bv your dominion to the British Empire, j We have touched in passing out two other nrctit dominions. Booth Africa and A ns- , tralia, and thess dominions—l can only , judge by what T have seen—look upon , what you have done as something very. , very great, which you have done for the , Empire, and it is looked unon not only . by our other dominions, but by tho world. , » great emblem of the pence of the i world.—(Applause.) We in manning a ship ; like tbJs of yours have great traditions to uphold. Wo have tho traditions of the

great Empire to which you and I and everyone in the Empire has the honour to belong, and we in the New Zealand have other traditions also to uphold. Gentlemen, may I say that, as long as you trust us to uphold those traditions, they shall be upheld.—(Applause.) Captain Halsey went on to say that those who manned the New Zealand filled a role that could perhaps be described as new. Their ship was a battle cruiser. Hitherto there had been battleships and cruisers, but a battle cruiser was something new. She was both battleship and cruiser. The officers and men of a battle cruiser had to seek out the enemy, and they ha/d to destroy the enemy. If the time ever came she would have to be in the forefront of the battle in every sense. Having sought out and found the enemy, perhaps engaged the enemy, she would retire upon her battle fleet and fight then not as a cruiser, but as a battleship. “ Therefore I say,” said Captain Halsey, “ that the purpose we have to fulfil is both to seek out the enemy and destroy the enemy.—(Applause.) We hopo to be with you for another two months; but, of course, if we should have to go to that geographical position where I know, gentlemen, you would wish us to bo—(loud applause),—it would be an everlasting regret. I know, to you in New Zealand should we in the H.M.S. New Zealand not be in that geographical position where, perhaps, I may say the Now Zealand could play her part in fulfilling the destiny waiting for her. —(Applause.) In one particular. Captain Halsey continued, ho would ask for the indulgence of the people of New Zealand While ho knew that the shin was out here in order that the people might see what they had given to the Empire, still, he hoped that occasionally, he would not ask it often, when the ship was between ports the gunners of the New Zealand might be allowed to hoist a target out and fire their guns at it. “We must do it,” said Captain Hakcy, “ in order that, should the awful day come, we shall be in readiness to uphold the great traditions of the service and the Empire. (Applause.) Without efficiency no ship can be of any use, and to be efficient we must do gun drill and torpedo drill, and I will go further and say that perhaps the most important part of everything is that we should all be in that perfect state of physical fitness to withstand the strain that must be met in any future naval, battle.” In conclusion, Captain Halsey thanked them for the very grand way in which they had drunk the health of that glorious service, the navy, and also for the way in which they included the officers of their ship and his Majesty’s ship which he had the honour to command.”—(Loud and continued applause.) Three cheers for Captain Halsey were given by the company at the call of the Prime Minister.

Before the gathering dispersed Captain Halsey proposed the health of the Prime Minister. . Replying, Mr Massey said that it had given hini very great pleasure to bo present at such a very important and representative gathering. AH ho wished to say was that everyone with British blood in h's veins must be proud to think that when that awful day arrived of which Captain Halsey had spoken we had officers and men on our ships who would act up to the very highest traditions of the British navy. He thanked the company for the very enthusiastic manner in which it had accepted the toast of hie health. After the luncheon the representatives of the Maori race were ore sen ted to Captain Halsey, and To Hcu lieu, the well-known Taupo chief, presented to Captain Halsey a piece of greenstone, a kuru tangiwai, much prized in his family on account of its great antiquity. Captain Halsey accepted the gift, and promised that it should remain in his family and be treasured as an heirloom. VISITORS TO THE VESSEL. CABLEGRAM TO SIR JOSEPH WARD. WELLINGTON, April 18. The Ne w Zealand is proving an irresistible attraction to the school children. The ship is thronged each day with thousands of youngsters. The Government is doing all that is possible to enable country chi.dren to see the warship. The city school children have nearly all been aboaid, and the country children are now having their turn. Children from as far north aa Wanganui are coming to-morrow. Monday will sec the last of these excursions. The sailors have been models of courtesy in attending to the children. Very large crowds of school children from the Hutt Valley were taken out to the vessel to-day and shown over it. Th.s evening the sailors arc being entertained by tho citizens at a concert in the Town Hall. Tho only other special incidents to-day were a visit to tho ship by the representatives of the judiciary and the bar, and the luncheon tendered to Captain Halsey and officers by the Ministry in the Town Hall. Some Wellington residents to-day forwarded the following cablegram to Sir Joseph Ward: “Dominion’s reception of the battleship enthusiastic; tremendous interest created. Your efforts recognised. Critics silenced by universal voice. Your picture presented by Mayor and citizens; gratefully accepted by captain. Trust you will be long spared to still further promote the best interests of the Empire and dominion.” ALCOHOLIC REFRESHMENT. A TEMPERANCE DEPUTATION. AUCKLAND, April 18. A temperance deputation waited on tho Mayor, and urged the civic authorities to refrain from supplying any alcoholic refreshment to the officers during tho visit of the battleship New Zealand to Auckland. They also asked the Mayor to appeal to the citizens to adopt a similar attitude. Mr Parr, in replying, expressed the opinion that if a sailorman wanted a ale it would do him no barm. “Wo must take tho sailor as he is, not as our temperance friends wish to see him.” His Worship declined to make an appeal to the citizens. He saw that the bluejackets in Wellington were excellently behaved, and were not likely to disirrace their uniform in Auckland. The executive committee met subsequently and decided to adhere to its previous decision to supplv a glass of ale to men desiring it at tho Town Hal! luncheon. entertainment by orphans CLUB. WELLINGTON, April 20. No more successful function has been held in Wellington in connection with the

visit of the battle cruiser New Zealand than the Orphans’ Club concert in the Town Hall on Saturday evening. The hall was suitably decorated and adorned. Streamers of red, white, and blue ran from the middle of the ceiling to the wallson every side, and the stage below the organ was transformed into a bower of greenery prettily sprinkled with electric More than half of the attendance oi about 2000 consisted of ladies, and the tints of innumerable pretty dresses added greatly to the general effect of the brilliant colour scheme. Captain Halsey and about thirty officers of the New Zealand and Pyramus were the guests of honour. The local guests included the Prime Minister, Mrs Massey, and Miss Massey, the Hon. A. L. Herdman and Mrs Herdman, the Hon. H. D. Bell and W. Fraser, Sir Joshua Williams and Lady Williams, Mr Justice Cooper, the Mayor (Mr M'Laren), and Mrs M’Laren, and numerous members of Parliament, officials, and local body members.

Captain Halsey and his friends were met in the vestibule of the hall by a Wellington Liedertafel party, who sang an ode of welcome. The programme of the evening seldom got far away from Imperialistic sentiment. Patriotic songs and choruses were splendidly rendered by the Liedertafel and by individual vocalists, and at the end of the evening Rule Britannia was sung by the whole assemblage with a spirit and clash that were good to listen to. A haka by a party of about thirty Maoris clad in waist mats and having meres and taiahas was an item that seemed to appeal very much to the naval guests. There were no set speeches, but Colonel Collins, as president of the orphans, spoke briefly of the pleasure that it gave them to entertain the naval men, and Captain Halsey responded with a few breezy words of thanks. When he appeared the whole audience rose and sang ‘‘For he’s a jolly good fellow,” and rounded off its welcome with rousing cheers. VISITORS TO THE VESSEL. WELLINGTON, April 20. Large contingents of children and Navy League members visited H.M.S. New Zealand yesterday ahd to-day. It being gloriously fine, the ship was besieged by eager crowds of sightseers. The ferry boats were hard pressed to meet the rush, and several hundred people were unable to get out. EIGHTY THOUSAND VISITORS. WELLINGTON, April 21. When the Imperial Government accepted New Zealand’s offer of a battleship the Women's Patriotic League organised a subscription for the purpose of making a gift to the vessel. After consulting Captain Halsey the league committee has decided that the presentation shall take the form of a pair of silver kettledrums. Captain Halsey said the league could give nothing that would be more appreciated than the drums, which would be used on all occasions and in the hour of battle would stir the heart of each member of the crew. The High Commissioner is to select the drums in London and have them suitably inscribed and presented when the vessel returns from her world cruise. This afternoon largo crowds visited the warship. Up to Sunday evening 80,000 people had inspected the cruiser, Sunday’s total being 19,000. VISIT BY NATIVES. (Fhom Oub Own Cob p.espondent.) WELLINGTON, April 21. In response to the expressed desire of Captain Halsey to meet representatives of the Native race on board H.M.S. New Zealand, a party of Maori chiefs of the Wellington province visited the warship this morning and was entertained by the captain and his officers. After the party, which numbered about 25, had been received on board and the usual exchange of courtesies had taken place, Mr C. R. Parata, M.P., addressing Captain Halsey and his officers, said tliat as one of the parliamentary representatives of the Native race he welcomed the officers and the ship’s company to these islands. 11 You have come here from the far ends of the earth,” said the speaker, “ from our King and Lord and Sovereign. We also greet the great warship which has now come to this harbour, and amid these public rejoicings and greetings it would be well for us, the Maori peoples of this country, not to forget to pay a tribute of sorrow to our great Quec i Victoria, to whom our elders ceded their sovereignty in the Treaty of Waiatngi, and to her late son King Edward VII, whose loss we lament. Captain Halsey, officers, and men of the New Zealand,” continued the speaker, “ to-day on this deck we, the sons and descendants of those chiefs who signed the Treaty of Waitangi, renew our oath of allegiance and express continued loyalty to the Throne and King under whose benign rule we are proud to abide. We are delighted to see the ship that our late Prime Minister presented on behalf of the people of this dominion, and proud bo behold in her to-day such a magnificent ship. May she be strong always, and should she be called to battle may she be victorious in all her engagements. The gift of this ship will cement stronger and closer the bonds of brotherhood with which we, the people of our Empire, are so happily united.” Major Tuniii Arangi, the Wairarapa chief of the Ngati Kahungunu, who commanded the Maori company of the New Zealand contingent at the Diamond Jubilee celebration in London, in a few words expressed his endorsement of the sentiments of the previous speaker. Te Heu Tukino, chief of Taupo, said: “ Captain Halsey, officers, and men, we are pleased to see you, who hare come from our King and Queen, with whom we became personally acquainted at Rotorua in 1907, and who are onr friends. You have been sent here by our King to bring this ship of cure, which is now in this harbour, and which we behold with great pride.

We feel sorrowful, though, for the death of our great Queen Victoria and her son, King Edward, whose affections will be ev ndasting in our hearts. We wish you to convoy to King George and Queen Mary the love of their Native people, and pray that they may reign for long years to come.” * __ Hira Parata, of Waikanae, chief of the Ngatiawa, Ngatitoa, and Raukawa tribes, endorsed the sentiments of the previous speakers, and remarked, that the loyalty oi the Native race was not a new thing, but went back several generations. Heni Terei, chieftainess of the Ngati Rawkawa, Otaki, said that as a grandchild of Tamehana te Rauparaha, who visited England some years ago and was presented to the late Queen Victoria, she desired to endorse what had been said by the other chiefs. The party presented Captain Halsey with a Maori battleaxe, two kiwi mat robes, a greenstone tangiawai pendant (literally cry water —i.e., a tear drop), two korowai mats, and one floor mat. On behalf of the chief Mana Hiniona, Mr Parata pesented Captain Halsey with a pui pui (loin cloth worn by a Maori warrior), and to Earl of Carlisle, as from himself, a beautiful greenstone pendant (koko tangiwai), an historic heirloom of theParata family. H.R.H. Prince George of Battenberg was presented by Mr Parata with a very fine “tangiwai” (greenstone pendant), and by the chief Te Heu Heu Trekino with a handsome Native mat and greenstone ornament (kawakawa rewa,). The Earl of Carlisle also received, at the hands of Mr Harry Parata, a handsome pale blue kahurangi (“ mantle of heaven ”). The party was then photographed with the officers, and signed their autograph Books. Captain Halsey was so delighted with the Maori liaka at the Orphans’ Club reception on Saturday evening that he haa expressed his intention of including tha war dance in the list of the warship’s ordinances, as being in keeping with her origin and the Maori legend, Ao-te-Roa, which is inscribed in a prominent place on the main deck of the ship. Hafcas are even now in active rehearsal nightly on the lower deck.