H.M.S. AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144134, 2 July 1913, Page 3

H.M.S. AUSTRALIA.

INSPECTED BY THE KINQt ADMIRAL PATEY KNIGHTED. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, July 1. Tho sailors of the Australia were drawn nip on tho .deck when Admiral tho Hon. Sir Hedworth Menx, Cominan-dor-in-Chiof at Portsmouth, and RearAdmiral Patcy, of tho Australian Navy, welcomed the King, the Prince of Wades, and Sir George Reid. His Majesty clively inspected tho vessel, visited tho harhettes, and showed a keen interest in all the details of tho armament. Ho was extremely solicitous for the comfort of the officers and men and commented on the improved conditions as compared with his own sea service days. He inquired regarding the .Australians serving abroad, whereupon tho officers joined up with their Royal Navy colleagues in a group on the qnnrtcr-deck and were photographed vith the King as the central figure. After the inspection, Sir George Reid, on behalf of the Australian Government and people, thanked the King for visiting ‘‘this, your Majesty's first Australian flagship.” Tiie King replied that ho was very pleased at all that ho had seen. The King, borrowing an equerry’s sword, knighted Admiral Patey. The Royalties and Sir George ReicJlunched in Portsmouth.

VISIT OF AUSTRALIANS. (Received July 2. 12.30 p.m.) ' LONDON, July X. There was brilliant weather for the festivities on the Australia. Five hundred Australians visited the vessel and the officers entertained them at an afternoon tea party.

A luncheon was given to Lord Emmott, Under-Secretary for the Colonics, Sir George Reid, Mr. T. Mackenzie, the Agent-Generals, Admirals Henderson, Heath and Tupper,‘and other guests.