H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10768, 14 May 1913, Page 7

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND

ENTERTAINING THE CREW.

SMOKE CONCERT AT THE CHORAL HALL. A TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION. The entertainment of the men of H.M.S. New Zealand in Christchurch commenced last evening, when asmoke concert was held in the Choral Hall. The proceedings were entirely successful and were marked by a high degree of public enthusiasm. The men, to the number of about two hundred from H.M.S. New Zealand and twenty from H.M.S. Pyramus, arrived at the Christchurch railway station shortly before 8 p.m. They were met outside the station by the M.R. (C.Y.C.) Band (formerly tho Stanmore Band), under Band-major Thorns, and the Cadet Bugle Band, under Sergeant-Maj or Tovey. The offloers in charge of the men were welcomed on behalf of the Reception Committee by Mr F. C. Raphael, who also acted as marshal at the railway station. The bluejackets formed fours, the M.R. Band took the lead, the Bugle Band fell in at the rear, and the procession moved off at a brisk pace. The Bugle Band, which has had only a few weeks' training, played with excellent tone, and the boys marched in a smart soldierly manner. . Large crowds assembled both at the railway station and the Choral Hall, and lined the streets along the route of march. The procession marched along Manchester Street to the Clock Tower, thenoe along High Street to Cathedral Square, and along Gloucester Street to the hall. The bluejackets were frequently cheered along the route and were given a most enthusiastic reception by the dense crowd outside the hall on their arrival. Lieutenant Walker and the non-com-missioned officers were welcomed by the oommittee in charge of the arrangements, headed by Mr J. J. Dougall. THE SMOKE CONCERT.

SPEECHES AND SONGS. The bluejackets from H.M.S. New Zealand and H.M.S. Pyramus, together with about eighty members of the Territorial Forces and a number of representative citizens, filled the seating accommodation at the tables arranged on the floor of the hall, and there was a fair attendance of spectators in the gallery. Mr J. J. Dougall (president of the Canterbury branch of the Navy League, and chairman of the committee in charge of the arrangements) presided, and amongst others at the head table were Lieutenant Walker, of H.M.S. New Zealand, on the .-' irman's right; .Messrs R. Moore 0 man Lyttelton Harbour Board), H. Smith (town clerk), W. H. Cooper (City Council), F. I. Cowlishaw, C. E. Bevan Brown, C. Allison, H. C. Ridley, R. Vincent, B. J. Ager, J. A. Boswell, P. R. Climie, L. A. Dougall, Q. W. Hulme, 'A. Millar, W. W. M'Kinney and F. C. Raphael, W. H. L. Cooper (secretary of the committee). Professor T. G. R. Blunt and Dr W. Thomas. The toast of "The King" opened the proceedings, and was enthusiastically nonoured, all present taking part in the singing of the National Anthem.

"HAERE MAI!"

The chairman, in proposing the second toast of the evening, said that an epoch-making event in the history of Canterbury had occurred that day, and there was some cause for jubilation in the .province. They owed a debt of gratitude to Captain Halsey for proving that Lyttelton could, berth at its wharves the largest and finest ship that had ever come south of the line. The ship was beautifully handled, and she was berthed alongside the wharf almost ,before the people realised that she had been brought to her moorings. The New Zealand was a symbol of the unity of Empire, and of the links of kinship and affection which bound the dominions to the Homeland. " Home " was one of the sweetest words any man oould hear, and his hearers from the ,w.arsjaip and the New Zealanders present alike regarded Britain as their homeland. (Applause.) New Zealanders owed a debt of gratitude to the man who conceived the idea of presenting a battl-*hip to the Empire. It was an act of statesmanlike forethought which had consequences greater than anyone could have anticipated at the time. Britain had lagged behind in the terrible race of armaments .in which the European Powers were now engaged, and there were misgivings that she was in danger, that there was a menace over her head and that she might have to fight for her position. At that moment Sir Joseph Ward—sent forth the message that New Zealand was prepared to do her little part, and that although her revenue was comparatively small she was prepared :fco give the Empire a first-class battle- ; ship. (Applause.) For years to come I he believed that that incident would mark a turning-point in British history. From that moment the Continent learned that in addition to the lion there were a few whelps wandenng about the world who were prepared to come to their mother's assistance. The other dominions had taken vup the idea, and their contributions to naval de- j fence were growing more valuable year | by year. They saw to-day in Australia, Canada and the Malay States evidence of the lesson which the little New Zealanders inaugurated and which they all believed would teach the world that Britain was going to hold what she had. (Applause.) Every Briton said to the world. "Hands off! What we have we'll hold!" To keep what Britain had they relied upon the lads in navy blue —(applause)—the men behind the guns. The gun was the symbol of Eower and strength, but the man beind'the gun made it powerful and strong,' and without him it was merely an inert mass of steel. _ They heartily welcomed the non-commission-ed officers, petty officers, and men of H.M.S. New Zealand. (Applause.) The guests of the evening, said Mr Dougall, represented a service that had carried Britain's flag through the seven seas. They represented the traditions held dear by every Briton, and they represented in this country what New Zealand had to rely upon for the protection of her homes and the uplifting of the country. They all knew what the Navy had done m the past, but they had had evidence within the gast two years that the men of the ritish Navy wero as strong, as brave, and as adventurous as in the days of Hawkins, Drake, and Nelson. The expedition to the South Pole gave them evidence that the men of the Navy to-day were equal in every way to the men of the past. If the event should unfortunately happen, and Britain had to fight a foreign foe, they could look with confidence to the British Navy to do its. duty in the way it had always done since it came into existence. Mr Dougall said that while H.M.S. New Zealand was in Lyttelton they hoped the officers and men would have a real good time. Nothing would be lacking in Canterbury to prove to the men that the people of Canterbury valued their presence very dearly indeed. (Applause.) The citizens of Christchurch were proud to have the men of the New Zealand amongst them, and they hoped that when the visitors returned Home they would remember New Zealand as a real good country. New Zealandors called it "God's Own Country." Perhaps other people would not altogether appreciate that, but the citizens of Christchurch felt confident that when the visitors returned to their own land they would take with them a good report. At all events, it would not be the fault of the Christobi'veh folk if they did not do so. He would ask the Territorials and other citizens present to drink (ha following toast "Haere mai H.M.S. New Zealand; Haere mai Cantain Halsey, and the officer;, pettv officers, non-com-missioned officers and men. M ay the ' New Zealand lone bo a bnlwark > to guard our homes from for-i<rn ]•-■■<*■••■'• •■ and mav «h« for v«ars to cnnie svmboi-

iee the Imperial unitv of tlio dominion of New Zealand wit lithe Motherland." The toast was enthusiastically honoured, " Sons of the- Sea" being sung.

" THE NAVY NEED'S NEW ZEALANDERS."

Lieutenant Waiter, m responding to the toast, said en at lie haa nua u acao conversation with the chairman rebutting the evening's programme outride the hall. The chairman iiucl askeci inm about speeches, and he had replied that the levver and shorter tlie speeches, tne better. The chairman, however, had exceeded the two minutes he set himself by about a quarter of an Hour, but ins remarks were very interesting and very instructive, and no one was at all bored by them. The speaker desired to apologise, in the first place for the arrival of the New Zealand a day late. They were sorry for the delay, because it gavo them a day less to spend in Chnsbchurch and district; but time, tide and New Zealand weather waited lor no roan. The delay had done them all a certain amount of good in a way, lor they had had a little time in which to recover from Auckland's hospitality. On Sunday and Monday some of the younger members of the crow were observed to be "cleaning their lockers in preparation for the Chnstchurch visit—(laughter)—and, if that evening s proceedings were a fair sample of what they were going to get in Chnstchurch, he thought the younger members of the crew he had referred to were wise. Continuing, Lieutenant Walker said that it had been a liberal education to all of them on the New Zealand to 6ee the great Imperialistic spirit which permeated the dominion as a whole. They did not see much of it at Home, though there was no doubt it was there. The people in Britain were so used to seeing the Army and the Navy that they did not show as much enthusiasm as the people of other parts of the Empire. They had to pay the money the same as New Zealand had done, and they had to make a moan about it at times. New Zealand did not seem to have got as far as that yet. "You New Zealanders," he continued, " do what you consider it up to you to do, and you don't even moan about it." Lieutenant Walker said that Mr Dougall had made refer* enee to the man behind the gun, but something more was neco-sary. They must have the man behind the roan'behind the gun, who controlled the lot. New Zealand had paid for a great warship, guns, ammunition and everything complete, but he hop°d that day would come soon when New Zealand would not only supply the shin and th" guns, but also some men to put behind the guns. (Applause.). On H.M.S. Challenger, said the speaker, he hnd had pome experience of New Z?alanders, and he could c ay that they were th« best men the Navy had. (Applause.) Thev wanted some more of the isnmn kind. In conclusion. Lieutenant Walker Wrtily thankod the citizens on behalf of the men present, and also those who were unable to obtain lenvf* on this nows l 'on. f n r the warm hospitality accorded to them. THE CONCERT PROGRAMME.

The speech-making occupied only a very sinaii piace in the evening's proceedings, the rest of the time being devotod to lignier purposes. Xhe iub& half of the piogiauime was supplied Dy well-known Uhri-iciiurch musicians, who provided items appropriate to tue occasion, which were much appreciated by the guests. Songs were contributed by Messrs R. D. Vincent, G. March, A. L. Oropp, Leslie Fleming, R. H. Webb and A. Millar, a vocal quartette by Messrs Millar, March, Cookson and Vincent, humorous recitations by Messrs W. Densem and C. Thomas, and a sek-ction by the Christchurch Banjo Baud, under the baton of Mr L. W. Bioy. The second part of the evening's entertainment was provided by the guests and the two bands whose members were present. Seamen Mudd and Biackmore appeared in costume and sang "Everybody's Doing it." Seaman Biackmore, who came on in the guise of a young lady with languishing eyes and nice front teeth, seized the opportunity of voicing the thanks of the lower deck. " I do not look to be what I am," he said, bv way of an explanatory preface, "and I'm not. I thank you on behalf of my fellow sufferers for your kindness, and 1 want to tell you that my funny friend who has just gone off wants to show you a Maori ragtime." Seaman Mudd thereupon reappeared, and the duo gave a clever and laughable imitation of a Maori haka. Ship's Steward's Assistant Atkey and Seaman Palmer danced a hornpipe, and a 6tepdance was cleverly executed by Stoker Smith. Plumber Prince contributed a tuneful concertina solo, and Shipwright Goodman sang " Devon." The M.R. Band and the Cadet Bugle Band also contributed items, the Cadets receiving an emphatic encore. The proceedings concluded shortly before eleven o'clock with the singing of the National Anthem and hearty cheers and counter cheers, and the men marched back to the railway station. The evening's entertainment was in everv wav successful, nnd the arrange raent/5 reflected credi+nblv the or p?.nHne; abilit-' o* the enm-nttee and its secretary, Mr W. H. L. Cooper

AT ITGHT

VESSEL'S CROWN OF ELECTRIC

LIGHTS

Although the hour of closing to visitors was set down for five o'clock, large numbers of people still congregated along the Avnter front and the hills gazing eagerly at the leviathan as she lay quietly alongside the wharf. Bofore the last crowd had dispersed from the ship to the shore the electricians began to prepare the illuminations for the night. Suspended between two masts and high up above the twinkling lights of the port was seen the fine outline of the Imperial Crown, beautifully designed in 180 elecbric lights. When darkness came on the current was switched on, and a magnificent crown of fire was seen. It wad indeed a little symbol of New Zealand's loyalty to the King.

A RUSH OF VISITORS.

SCENE AT THE GANGWAY

A TOUR OF INSPECTION

The hoisting of a yellow and red diagonal flag at the masthead yesterday afternoon indicated that the big leviathan would be thrown open to the thousands of people who had congregated along the water-front, and one and all rushed to the wharf, only to be momentarily stopped by a stout fence. When two o'clock struck there was a rush from the gates for the gangways, and although a strong company of police were present, many endeavoured to break through the fence, .and some were successful in their efforts. There were others who wished to be first on board, and in the resulting stampede at the gangway several ladies received a good shaking. Apart from this, however, the crowd was orderly and gave no trouble whatever.

ON BOARD. Once on board, the visitor lost no time in peering into every corner of the ship to which the public had access. The crowd moved about slowly ; then; eyes here and there catching sight of something deemed to be of interest, and then there would be a halt. THE BARBETTE.

One of the first tilings to strike the visitor were two big pieces of steel projecting from a dull shelter of steel, lie looked for the doorway, but failed to fir.d one, until someone '' in the k..ow " told him to "bob down ur.dern. uth." AfLc-r crawling on his ha;:ds and knees the visitor pa._s.-d ihrcugn a sma.l hole and unn.edi.itely louud hunceif inside a barbette. Once inside, he was confronted nth a mass of mcchaniiin. An obliging gunner explained the many in L .i-a.<j pari . a..c! . .• ■■ uii.siion ai.-tu' uuesiioii, but even i.lieii

fc was very doubtful whether the injuisitive one felt any wiser.

ON THE UPPER AND LOWER DECKS.

From the huge turrets visitors climbed ladder after ladder, and from the lofty navigating bridge looked down upon the decks. There were othurs, mostly women, who dared not, through nervousness, attempt to reach the upper portions of the cruiser, and' contented themselves with keeping below. Having seen many of the mysteries above, the visitors then proceeded to the lower deck, and made a tour of inspection of the officers' quarters and the appointments of the ship.

Still lower down could be seen the sailors' quarters, and the large messroom allotted to the men. Everywhere the quarters were scrupulously clean. Well aft of the great ship was the machine shop, and here, too, it was observed that this important branch of the Navy was well catered for. There were many lathes, and a large staff of mechanics to attend to repair work of the ship. The visitor then endeavourpd to wend his way to the engine room, but, to his disappointment, he found the access blocked bv a rope, and he immediately realised that there were " things below " that the casual spectator was not to see.

After a tour of a connle of hours, the visitors came up on deck, and then ciught the trrun home. Many were disappointed in finding that berutv had given wav to efficiency, but v"t they ™a'is°d tha + in a n n, htinrr its weapons counted for more than a mere tint of paint.

S ARCHLKUIT DISPLAYS.

TO TAKE PLACE TO-MORROW AND SATURDAY.

Warships of the British Navy work at night as well as by day, and this fact 'was impressed upon the visitor yesterday during his patrol of the ship. Forward and aft of the great battlecruiser, one caught sight of sixteen powerful searchlights, and soon began to realise the intrinsic value of such instruments during a night attack. The sixteen lamps are arranged in pairs, each pair being 50.000 carcPopower, and capable of throwing a light for many miles. The lamps are also arranged so they can be used singly when necessary. To-morrow and Snturd.iv, from 6.30 to 7 p.m. and from 8.30 to 9 p.''\, visitors and residents of Lyttolton will 'vivo an opportunity of witnessing a display from these powerful lamps.

BY MOTOR TO RANGIORA. NORTH ENTERTAINMENT ON FRIDAY The North Canterbury E"tert.iinment Committee met at the Rangiora Municipal Chambers yesterday; present—The Mi'vor O.Jr J. Sarsom). the Hon D. Budd'o. M.P., and Mc-srs 11. Evans (Evre O'untv), W. MroHnto-h (Ash'ev County), H Boyd, C. W. R- 11. H. Di'x, S. Ayers and C. I. Jennings (Rangiora).

The secretory reported that he had received £32 10s si-ce the' last meeting towaids the expenses. The Mayor stated that the services of about forty youna: ladies to wait mi the guests at the liptli-on and serve afternoon tea would be forthcoming.

Notice was received from tho Railway au'horities th.it excur.Mou rates would be charrrd from n'l r-ia- ' ions to Rinjiiora on F.'irliy lG'h ii"t. It was left to tho PNTctit/vp to rr.iike , v- •■■'cr.fwary rltei'iit/orr. 'n the nrrangr iients in the evcnc of unfit'.ourv.bh cither. The Mayor stntrrl >h : .t tbr> rrut.> to ho tile- l*v th" I:.'-t.'r-rr;:' ]nr*'-'"i«i!(] !,,. t!f "7,h" " ' ; 'P<>: ■ -j ITir'' Charles and Walker Streets. ]Wo tlv woollen ■ '1- .'.■ :t ••'■■■ C " ' h.'"'d.-T ■ he ; i.>e ,:'rl,. th- •: h " >n ' '■ r> 'h to !?;<"ialoim Yk.ix.j-ia. Qje.n Perch al.

TT; ~h and Ashley Streets to the show groin ds.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MOTORCAR DRIVERS.

The following arrangements have been made for the motor run to Rangiora on Friday : —Motor-cars will approach Cranmer Square via Armagh Street from the east, turn to the right on the east side of the Square, and line up in succession on the west side of Cranmer Square, facing south—three cars abreast. Drivers of cars are particularly requested to keep their position in the procession. Should a car for any reason not be able to keep its position, it will promptly pull out and follow on at the end. The speed and route to Rangiora, also the return to Cranmer Square will be regulated by the marshals' car. Cars to be in position by 9.30 a.m. On arrival at Rangiora cars will be formed up on sports ground in rows Drivers of cars are requested to be in attendance for return home at 3.45 p.m. prompt. On arrival at Christchurch, the procession will turn to the right at Durham Street, then to the right at Armagh Street, and line up in Cranmer Square as at starting. Owners are requested to decorate their cars in any lranrer which may apnoal to them, and they have been informed that the chairman has received from the Rarfriora people a special invitation that they will be the guests of the Rangiora Reception Committee for luncheon.

THE PR'HIUMME. EIGHT DAYS' ENTERTAINMENTS. THURSDAY, MAY 15. Sports meeting, Metropolitan Trotting Grounds. Visit of school children, Islington, Springfield, Whitecliffs branches. FRIDAY, MAY 16. Motor-car drive to Rangiora and sports. Hockey match, Sydenham Park, 3 p.m. Citizens' ball, commencing 9 p.m., m Pyne and Co.'s buildings, Moorhouse Avenue. Visit of school children. Southbridge and Little River branches, including Hornby and Riccarton. SATURDAY, MAY 17. Railway excursion, Staircase Gully. Rugbv Union matches, Lancaster Park. Visit of school children, Bumham, Ashburton and Methven branches, with Kowai Bush and Otarama. MONDAY, MAY 19. Rifle match at .Cashmere, Christchurch Rile Club v. H.M.S. New Zealand. Association football match, Burnham v. H.M.S. New Zealand, at Bumham. Visit of school children, Bryndwyr to Rangiora. Freemasons' rocep + ion, Art Gallery, to Masonic brethren. TUESDAY, MAY 20. Visit of school children, Oxford and Evreton branches and Aihley to Waikr.ri. Visit of Tcrrltorr-l efflc "-. -ftcrroon. Smoke- concp-!, Choral il 11. S p.m., to petty (.ti'icji'ri, no;i-cu.,;S. ar.d men. WEDNESDAY. M \Y 21, CfiTite'-Imrv Club's private br 11. Swimming carrival a::cl polo match, Tepid Bath, evening. THTR.SD\Y, MAY 22. No arrangements. FRID'Y, M\Y 23. Vessel will leave Lyitelton for Akaroa. TO-MORROW'S SPORTS MEETING. ALL AR;L^-: r : MADE AT ALDINGTON. The hive;, c '; is who will attend torn. <!■<■< •>.''-; -p.'; i.; mociing at the Adding■inn in L,: 'g ;!iV;i.iii(] v\'ill be taken by train ,\li • if -lr lir:d-giuj to the Addi .>;t'm raw. ay :,! lion. The sports •.■ 11" ■ •■■•, •■■,.• 'a! ! .:)ii p.m., and will iijeli.dt). I', ol.lt:.-. di.-,i)j,i.\.s by *•!'** UlOil,

an exhibition trotting race, timed to start at 3 p.m., between some of the fastest trotters in the province. The promoters of the sports . are already asmired of success, if the fine weather holds.

To-day a special committee will visit the grounds, and arrange final details. Invitations ha,ve been issued to the captains and officers of H.M.S. New Zealand and H.M.S. Pryamus to bo present, and trams will leave the Square at. frequent intervals. NOTES. Between two o'clock and five o'l ck yesterday crossed the gangway of the vessel. In view of the fact that the ves e' will be open to the public on Sa'u- a: aftrrnoon it has been found nee ss r to alter the time previously f r the visit of the Chris c'urrh Se i ,r Cadet companies in ordr that the cadets may have a jrocd view -f h 6hh>. The following are t'e pre'Tr'- ar rangerrents:—-Parade ,v t Kin" E'wa ■■ T*T7-rark<! 8.15 ri.m.,\ v >t 17; I\a <? Christch'ireh 8 ~5 a.m. : rrr'v Ivtt&lton. 9.20 a.m.: H™ Lvt 4 elo"> 11.15 am.: arrive Chr ; «v'chn ch, ' l .'o a.m. Presentation of m da's, K'ng Edward Btracks, 12.15 p.m.

The _rit"'«i is' h'dl tend.-.md bj his Worshin t' 1 ? M<"»'~r, counoi'lors find of CV-v,V'toh, lv H-i t-> n, p fnin Fo> ?v and o:Tl"-r=! of F.M.S. " Vow Zealand w ! ll tnk-r on Fv'dny evening nt Messrs o~d Co.'s s j/r/ I nrb"U'e Avenue. Th-> committee chTfre of +h» fnrp+ion is ns' follows •— T he T- T on C. T.oir'pson ("''"ll'TrcTlV Mr? Andrew A-n^oypnri Jf'inrß. W. Y.Z.M.P. M r p \ TV-ip jrvs TOP Plti-~+ v,., he'h°ll. Mr F. I Co-V~bnw. V r .s W. H. Cooler. Mr T. Co-1' haw] Mr J T. Dnu-mlf Mrs D"ins, Mrs C. C. Dn'rrofv. Ml'-S S. Fobdav. V.D.. Mr* Roland Mrs rT. H-lland, Mn Former Mr G. Hnnmer, Mr C. .T. Mr G. Jameson, Mrs B. A. Knight. Mrs C. T/ouiss n n. Le n . Mrs C. T). Morris. Mrs Murrav-^Tn cl P.v. Mrs Dunon- 1 Macfarlnne. Miss B. M. Macbet\ Mr D. S, Murchisor.. Dr Moitla-d. Mr C. T) Mo-ns. Miss Murrav-A-T'--l.ov, Mnior Overton, H. J. OM-v Mrs M'Vfmr O-'low. Mrs H. 'SrvW\ Mvs A. E. G. "Rhodes, and Mrs G. F. Rhodes. Tickets he cMpir-ed from a"r of the committee, or from Mr J. H. Aitken, honorary secretary, 160. Hereford Street,

A special of the North Linwood School Committee wn<? hold on Monday niaht, nrrl were mnda with the f or srn „ cin! to convoy t l, '> rhi'' 1 -'-" +r> a'd from the rnihvnv £ d- i ion on their visit to-day to tho warship. AN O'~E'!^HT. THE MULLO'"'] NOT IN THE PltOC.-S.ION. THE OLDEST STS ? r ER IN NEW ZEALAND. "Where is the goad o!d :. u'hgh:" nr.hed a visitor el' a npn.3o, t ■.: . : f the " ancnon " chad ; Cat tc ! >nvy v.h 1 t janr eying tc tiu htan y tan. .y •ra ■i.ig to U.XL.6. *\ a la d. " Wad.'" ranhrd f v .< Prv s ;n, '-he h ;;ui- mooted :do: ganae -in lu.er ha. ■-. ~o;a; iii L\... pii'i - '.' B-V', ainJ as fa ;:. : irf kiur.v::. has no: !a . a :i> ci.Zjlir.iaahna fur aav .c w;d;.; pa>..' O : re. i> ii ia .]:;:■; ;• :■.. ■ he visitor d :1 !l,t lo >. .n,.0;.r. an iho f ... th- Mn-e i- ,■.:,.-- ~f hj; ■..;!■ en ■...-• aUr.vcd : lie u-K' ■■on to pa a th- -.ld h taaa- v. ; ■, 1 i>i the i'orui' '■ '<.... nvre -o a.-; j !. r ~.-.: oi.ee \w.■'.:'.' hav; ore:: ,i:i edaca.lion to ';ho \n a ;•; >v a Zrdarder as ; , (■!•;:" i; aii vath ihr c a '.a t ;i■•■■..) iii; a ."•." .a' a. r. " hail., again, au.o a; th:,. , -i;a .". • ; '. 'ha \, lisOiiU 1 'Ve; a ; t.,... '* o: iiif -."'. Nad old p c:i:i :v - cf '(.': 'aa;.'. - '.a mi;, ori, s eoidd ro a! a - ,: 'a i'"' >' < ! at in e.nncc in-, wi;.h ih. naval an.,i oi tin; '" V "he m-M-n f "h i■=•■" f U M. \ Ntnv ■.+ Wp!!i. ;:,, » n>,i nmnth

the Empire City did not fail in its duty to bring to the front the iron steamer Storm Bird, 21.7 tons • register, which «-a; built at Whitewick in 1854, and 4s rec.:g.ased as the oldest steamer afloat ,in the world. She was given a conspicuous position in the welcome, and rightly so, for her career has been a I long a\:d faithful one. The Storm Bird, ! however, was not registered at Wel--1 lington until 1833, and in i v s respect she has to give way in y.. sto the wh.se career in Ne.. Zealand | commenced at Lyttelton in' IS6O. I It was in the year 1855 that the Mullogh was launched at Belfast, in , the great shipbuilding yards now lorcupvd by th-- - - wrie known firm of Harland and Wolff. Vm • MidWh was built of iron, and al- | thouin of only 59 tons register ;:ha i found her way out to Lyttelton, and i commenced a very career. In the early days of Canterbury S :e was looked upon as a "crack and there are still a few people 1 ft Ih-t could 'ell many a good tale of I theiv er-iio-'-ptjos in the Mullosh W'h ,n j cli r - sixties and seventies irx th« nas "nser trad.- between Heatl.cot« and L-ttelten. . ! To-day the Mnllo"h is still stationed in T.vttelton. and for some ytars has be-m ii •-.he trawFng. indust y. • Like other v her condition beoome« more dilapidated as years roll by, but it <-cei"s a pity that nusnH'nis occsion as yesterday should n ov o Iren flowed to nass witbo't snn I effort bei"<r made to put the old. into commission for the , occasion.