MESSAGE FROM THE KING.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13921, 26 March 1909, Page 4

MESSAGE FROM THE KING.

THE OFFER ACCEPTED. Early this afternoon we received the following telegrams from the Prim* Minister:^- . „ • _ . „ "I have received the following cablegram from the Secretary of Stat* for the Colonies, through his Excellency the Governor:— 'l am ! commanded by his Majesty ttio King to inform you that m» Majesty is deeply gratified by the patriotic feeling displayed by New Zealand towards the other Country in their splendid offer, and to convey at once his gratitude and 'high appreciation for the fine patriotism and generosity shown in the magnificent offer made so^promptly and spontaneously.' " . . . <l I have received the following cablegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, througn his Excellency the Governor:-— 'In further reply to your telegram of March 22 I desire you to ixpress to Sir Joseph Ward and to your Government in tne - warmest terms the feeling of Appreciation and gratitude with which his Majesty's Government have received the of f er so generously and patriotically tcter and extent of the demand ty thai exists as f o the cnaractetr and extent of the demand which may be made on the national resources m the flawing year, the offer of the Government of New Zealand to heai within that period the cost of providing one first-class battleSlip of the latest type, and a second of the same type should ' subsequent events show it tob ® necessary, is most gratefully accepted by his Majesty's Government. Your QjnwMjent wffl doubtless understand that rt w impossible to, enter mto details by telegram, but you will re. ceive at an early date a faU communication by despatch, as his Majesty's Government desires wSStSrtth the Government of New Zealand- as to the time ' it may become •PP»!p iftferi£gire effect to their P^£- S P*"*Id proposal. So far as the cq«ing'financial year is concerned, thi provisions .and powers (for which sanction is being asked m the Naval Estimates now before P^liament affords ample security.' »■