AN ILL-ADVISED ITINERARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17216, 6 December 1923, Page 6

AN ILL-ADVISED ITINERARY.

One of Frank Bullen’s interesting sea stories, beloved of New Zealand boys, partly because it was written in New Zealand waters, is entitled " The Cruise of the Cachalot.” The impending visit of the battle cruiser squadron to New Zealand waters might be described as “ the cruise of the miss a lot. The intelligence department of the Silent Service appears to have been nodding on this occasion, for if the cruise is to arouse a spirit oi enthusiasm for Imperial defence it seems ludicrous that half of the farthest flung Dominion of the Empire •should be cut out of the programme. for the sake of ten hours’ steaming. It is quite obvious that the visit to Lyttelton has not been cancelled because of any risk in berthing the battle cruisers. The Renown, a sister ship of the Repulse, was snugly berthed for many days, and although the Flood is supposed to be a larger vessel, there can be no difficulty in berthing her, as the port is a perfectly safe port, and can take a vessel drawing up to thirty-two feet.

Even if Dunedin had to be omitted owing to the shallowness of the water there, the berthing of the Flood at Lyttelton would allow visitors from Dunedin, and possibly groups of school children, to make the overland journey lo Canterbury to sec the vessel. An aspect of the matter that the Government has apparently lost sight of is the complete independence of the two islands, and the iacl that the sea journey forms a serious barrier to passenger traffic. Perhaps the Naval authorities are not to be blamed for the bungling of the New Zealand visit, for they are largely advised by the Dominion Government in these matters. However, a very strong protest ought to be made by the South Island, and perhaps Lord Jellicoe could use his influence to have the injustice put ri«ht.