OUR DREADNOUGHT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 281, 19 April 1913, Page 5

OUR DREADNOUGHT

WELL!NGTON HOSPITALITY. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Friday. The Government entertained Captain Ilasley and I lie officers at lunch to-day. aptain Ilasley, in responding to the toast of his health, took occasion to express pleasure at the reception they had met, and to explain that there was no saluting on his entry to the harbor on Saturday because the naval regulations forbade it. VISITS FROM CHILDREN. Wellington, Friday. The New Zealand has proved an irresistible attraction 'to school »-hildj|en. Daily the ship is thronged with thousands of youngsters. The Government is doing all possible that country children may see the warship. The citv schools have nearly all been aboard and the country schools are now having their turn. Children from as far north as Wangiinui are coming to-morrow, and Monday w'!l sec the last of these excursions. The sailors have been models of courtesy in attending to the children.

ENTERTAINED BY TIIK GOVERNMENT. SPEECH BY CAPTAIN lIALSEY. Wellington, Last Night. Captain Ilalsey and officers of the New Zealand were entertained by the Government at lunch to-dav. Mr. Massev "presided, and amongst the guests were members of both branches of the Legislature, heads of the departments of the Civil Service, judges, and officers of the Territorials. Responding to the Chairman's toast of "The Navv," Captain TTalsey said that lie had seen with a certain amount of regret something about the reception of the New Zealand He had been in Wellington many times before, but he had never expected the reception that the New Zealand had received. Something had been said about the firing of the guns, and that the gunners were ready to return the salute. Under the King's regulations they could, not fire guns on such an occasion. He had seen enthusiasm displayed by the miblic. and he unhesitatingly said on | behalf of the officers and men on th<> I shin that they were thoroughly pleased I with that enthusiasm. The officers and i men of the New Zealand would uphold | the faiaJlHanc r,r <lia . iQlffj H " they held the trust that had "been reposed in them. To enable the ship to fulfil her destiny the crew must become efficient, and. to that end. he asked that the public would give them sone chance of target practice, so tint if occasion arose they would do credit to the Empire to which they belonged. Applause). MESSAGE TO SIR JOSEPH WARD. Wellington, Last Night. Verv large crowds of school children from the Hutt Valley were taken out to" T1.M.8. New Zealand to-day and. shown over the vessel. This evening the sailors are being entertained by the, citizens at a concert in the Town iSall. The only other special incidents to-day were a visit to the ship by the representatives of the judiciary and bar and the luncheon tendered to Captain Halsev and the officers by the Ministry in the ' Town Hall.

Some Wellington residents to-dnv forwarded the following cable message to Sir Joseph Ward: "The Dominion's reception of the battleship was enthusiastic. Tremendous interest was created. Your efforts were recognised and the critics silenced bv the universal voice. Your picture, presented by the Mayor and citizens, was gratefully accepted bv the captain. Trust you may be lons spared to still farther promote the best interests of the Empire and the Dominion." >

. MAORIS OX BOARD. WELCOMED OX "THE BIG CAXOE." Abou I fortv members of the Xsratiawa tribe, with tlipir chief. Mr. Daniel Love, paid n visit to the battlcshin 011 Thursday, in response to p. suecial invitation. Tlic.v were received on board find entertained by Commander Grace, and were also introduced to Prince George of flatten berg. The Maoris were attired in their national costume, and at the request of Commander Grace danced a haka. They also repeated their POll- - or chant of welcome. Before departing the visitors were nhotographed, Commander Grace joining the group with a piupin. or mat, thrown over his shoulder in Maori style; Mr. Love' heartily .thanked Commander Grace for the mariner in which the party had been entertained,