CITY'S WELCOME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10767, 13 May 1913, Page 3

CITY'S WELCOME.

COMPLIMENTARY RECEPTION. TO CAPTAIN HALSEY.

SPEECHES AT THEATRE ROYAL. The city's reception to Captain Halsey took place in the Theatre Royal this afternoon!, when the captain had to return the Mayor's visit before a battery of a few thousand eyes. The "reCeption had been well arranged and those on the stage included representatives of most of the local bodies in and around Christchurch, the Mayors of all the surroundings boroughs, and Parliament was represented by the Hon R. H. Rhodes, Postmaster-General, the Hon H. F. Wigram, M.L.C., and Messrs L, M. Isitt, T. H. Davey, G. Witty and G. W. Russell. Bishop Julius was also present. The table on the stage was covered with the Union Jack. "Piie arrival o"f the officers on the stage'was received with "a fine outburst of enthusiasm, and the orchestra placed " Rule Britannia." *

The Mayor said that it gave him the very keenest pleasure to extend to Captain Halsey and his company a very hearty welcome from the City of Christchurch, and although it might be an unusual way in which to receive a return visit he had felt all along that the citizens should have an opportunity to join in the welcome. He congratulated Captain Halsey on the masterly way in winch he had brought the vessel into the inner harbour. On behalf of the Oity he extended a hearty welcome to the visitors, and hoped that, their visit would .cement the bonds of Empire. He had felt very proud of the vessel, and he knew that the example set by New Zealand in giving help to the Mother Country would be followed by other dominions. The Navy had given New Zealand its liberty, and with a few more vessels like the New Zealand in dominion waters there would be no fear of any foe. _ He hoped that Captain Halsey and his officers would feel themselves | at home in Christchurch, where they would be most hospitably received. He knew that should the occasion arise, Captain Halsey and l his men would give a. good account of themselves, and New Zealand's honour would be upheld by the latest unit of the fleet. (Continued applause.) Mr J. J. Dwigall, president of the Navy League, also welcomed the visitors and said that Captain Halsey and his officers could be sure' of a hearty welcome from the people of Christchurch. (Applause.) Mr R. Moore, chairman of the Lvttelton Harbour Board, said that he was pleased to be present to do honour to Captain Halsey. He had been very proud to see such a magnificent modern lighting machine comfortably berthed in Lyttelton Harbour, not only because of the compliment paid to the harbour, as such, but also because it would enable the rising generntion to visit the vessel without risking the dangers of transportation in the harbour.

Captain Halsey on rising to respond had a most I>oisterous reception, the audience standing and cheering him for somo time, after which it sang " For He's a Jolly Good Fellow,'' which was capped with three c.heors. He thanked the gathering for its welcome. and expressed the hope that the people, and especially the children. would return his call to see what Britain could produce in Greater Britain. Captain Halsey remarked that the Navy had no politics, hut he wished, to give honour where it was due, and when the ship had been given so spontaneously by the dominion, tho Government was presided over by Sir Joseph "Ward. That offer had been of tho greatest value to the Empire in many ways, because it had led other dominions to follow NewZealand's lead, and it had created a tremendous stir in .Europe by showing what Great Britain could produce in Greater Britain. The late Government had been in power when the wns given by Now Zealand, nim now another Government was in pov. er: but he was clad to see that in New Zealand as "it was elsewhere, politics 'had nothing to do with the Navy, and that the present Government was doing all it could for the reception of the vessel in New Zealand waters. Captain Halsey dwelt on the fighting efficiency of the. ship, and expressed tbo Uouo

that after leaving New Zealand his men would bo a bio to get some gun practice. He especially asked the citizens not to overdo their hospitality. Me and > us men were only human, and while lie dearly loved to see his men enjoying themselves and having their glass of beer, it would be quite possible for the citizens to bo over-hospitable, aiul that would do his men no good. Captain Halsey again thanked the gathering for its reception, and on resuming his sent was very heartily applauded. Tho "return call" closed with the National Anthem.