Imperial Defence

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5223, 5 February 1913, Page 3

Imperial Defence

VISIT OF H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND. PATRIOTIC NEW ZEALAND. London, February 4. Three hundred New Zealanders inspected the battleship New Zealand. Sir George Reid was absent through influenza. Mr Cathcart Wason, M.P., and Admiral Fawkes, formerly in command of the Australasian Squadron, were present.

Miss Mackenzie unveiled the New Zealand Coat of Arms which are supported by a tablet inscribed, “Tasman 1642, Cook, 1769.’’ Hon. T. Mackenzie said he was proud that New Zealand had led the way. He referred to the Australian and Canadian assistance to the Empire, and expressed the hope that South Africa would soon follow. New Zealand was anxious that the Empire’s navy should be equal ti meet any challenge, and her people wanted Britain to feel that she was with her to the extent of her ability.

Captain Halsey, in accepting the gift, congratulated New Zealand cn being the first to give the Empire a ehip. He trusted that if ever they were called on to perform the duty for which the vessel was built, the crew would maintain the honour placed in their uands. Mr James Allen said that New Zealand would cheerfully give further help, and meant to see the Pacific safe. He hoped that other countries there would combine to make it so. New Zealand would not be satisfied until she was able to provide men as well as money and ships. Mr Solomon, High Commissioner for South Africa, co'gratulated New Zealand on its practical loyalty. The visit of the vessel to Table Bay would help South Africa in the growing feeling towards co-opera-tion. A silver cup for boat crews’ competitions and a portrait of the late Mr K. J. Seddon were presented on behalf of Mrs Seddon, WHAT NEW ZEALAND PAYS. AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS. London, February 4. Referring to the Dreadnought gift, the Daily Telegraph says that H.M.S. New Zealand represents a cash distribution of 44s a head from every New Zealander. This fact, the paper says, is an example and an inspiration to the people of every nation under the flag. THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. By Telegraph. — Press Association. Wellington, Last Night.

In London the other day the Hon. James Allen said that New Zealand hoped to place an expeditionary force of 8000 men at the disposal of the Mother Country for service in any part of the Empire. The statement has already attracted a certain amount of hostile comment in the Domnlon newspaper?. When the matter was mentioned to the Prime Minister, the Hon. W. F. Massey he pointed out that the critics of Mr Allen’s utterance were jumping to conclusions. Mr Massey had no difficulty in stating that he shared in the hope expressed by the New Zealand Minister for Defence.

"Mr Allen was evidently referring to what New Zealand did during the Boer War,” remarked the Prime Minister, "and hoped that in the event of trouble New Zealand would do the same again. I sincerely hope so, too."