REAR-ADMIRAL LAWSON.

Otago Witness, Issue 3804, 8 February 1927, Page 38

REAR-ADMIRAL LAWSON.

SETTLING IN NEW ZEALAND. CHRISTCHURCH. February 3. “I believe that the flow of young people from the dominions to England, and from England to the dominions, is one of the greatest factors in Imperialism, and that is in a great measure why I have brought my family to New Zealand.” These words were spoken to an interviewer by Rearadmiral Robert W. Lawson, C. 8., who, with his wife and family of two sons and four daughters, arrived in Christchurch this morning. Rear-admiral Lawson retir-ed. from the navy in 1910. His eldest son is going to take un sheep farming and is proceeding to a big run in the North Island. Rearadmiral Lawson has not yet decided in which part of the country he will, make hia home, but expects to settle in the North Island—probably in the Hawke’s Bay or Tauranga district. At present tho family is spending a holiday at Duvauchelle Bay. Although he has only just arrived in thq Dominion, Rear-admiral Lawson is very favourably impressed with what he has already seen. In the matter of immigration he said: “It is my opinion that not only, the young people should conje to the colonies, but the fathers and mothers as well. The whole seat of the family should be shifted so that the younger generation will look on the colony as their home and all their ties will be there. My first impression of New Eealand. one which struck me very forcibly at Wellington, an dwhich has been emphasised ever since, is the unfailing friendliness and courtesy of anyone to whom I have appealed for assistance in the small matters such as baggage or directions. The country is wonderful in that respect.” Rear-admiral Lawson has had a .distinguished naval career. He served in the naval expedition on the Benin River, West Africa, in 1894, while still a junior officer, and was awarded a medal and si asp. He *as in the Naval Intelligence Department from 1905 to 1907. and was navigator of flagships until 1913. when he was promoted to captain, and became flag-captain to the. commander-in-ehief of the Home fleets, Admiral Lord Jellicoe. Captain Lawson served as flag-captain to Admiral Jellicoe, of whom lie is a staunch admirer, in the famous Iron Duke until 1915, and was then appointed to command the light cruiser Chester. In the battle of Jutland he performer distinguislied services, for which he was mentioned in despatches.- He retired in 1919, and was promoted to rearadmiral, retired, in 1923. Besides hishobbies, Rear-admiral Lawson is interested in literary affairs, and is the author of two novels. * He hopes to continue his literary work in Now Zealand, and, aftqr living for a few years in this country, he may write a novel with a New Zealand background. -- ■ '