CAPTAIN HALSEY'S SPEECH.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12881, 30 April 1913, Page 5

CAPTAIN HALSEY'S SPEECH.

Keplying. to tlie speech of welcome <at the reception by the port authorities, Captain Halsey said: "I hardly know what to say to you, for it has never boon my privilege to witness such a reception as you hayc given us this afternoon. You and- your magnificent' harbour have given us a wonderful reception. We havo been fortunate; in;deed in. arriving at your port on such r. glorious day. JWhon we \vero in-the Rangitoto Channel we were met by' your outposts, so to speak. Little "did I think that wo were going to meet hundreds of boats in your harbour. I thought out there *m the channel that I would have liked to' stop -. for them, but as we went on more andmore came into view. I congratulate you on the still more splendid reception which awaited us on rounding 'the Heads into your harbour. The ''chair-. man lias alluded to past naval visits to this port. I can only say 'that if the welcome accorded to those visitors was as hearty as this one it is something which I thought, was impossible. j. can quite realise why \you give us this woloome." continued Captain Halsey. "You are quite right. The welcome should not be to us, but to your fine ship, which you have "iven to'the Motherland. We are ' the fortunate ones who have brought her out to .foil, and we are deeply, grateful for your rdceptidn. Ladies and gentlemen, again let me thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of my officers and the ship's company, for the j hearty reception the ship has received on enteiing your port."