THE PASSAGE OF THE DARDANELLES.

West Coast Times, Issue 2853, 25 May 1878, Page 2

THE PASSAGE OF THE DARDANELLES.

The British Ministry having deemed the presence near Constantinople of a portion of their fleet, for the protection of British iuterests, as well as the city of the Sultan,' instructed Admiral Hornby to ask permission to pass the Straits. This was officially sought, and refused. Orders were telegraphed to force the passage at all hazards.

Hurrah for dear old England ! and for her gallant sons, / . Who on that wintry morning stood beside their mighty guns, With ready hands and loyal hearts that danced with wild delight, To force the Dardan passage through — the Moslem forts to fight. Fierce blew the cold north-eastern blast o'er the tempestuous wave, Whilst mingled rain and blinding snow a gloomy prospect gave ; In spite of Czar and Moslem Chief, they fearless stem the tide, Resolved the Empire to maintain, its glory and its pride. As strips a champion for the fight — topgallants down were sent— Rides and gatling guns aloft proclaimed our dire intent To quell these haughty fortresses should they our might oppose, And crush with siiot and blazing shell both fortresses and foes: The Alexandra led the fleet undaunted through the spray, Nigh to the shore, where 'neath the mist, the Turkish cannon lay ; Silent as deash— no sound was heard — but monotonous " thud " Of engines that the noble ship propelled against the flood. Through mists and snow, and howling blaßt the Chanak fort was seen, Yet on they sped unawed — as nigh no dang'rous foe had been; Followed by ships in single line, with broadside to the shore, Prepared with Shrapnell shells to crush the foe midst sulph'rous roar. Throughout the squadron as it passed a breathless silence reigned — Each daring Chief, and seaman brave, at quarters was retained; Lanyard in hand— a veteran stood beside his ponderous gun, And messmates with their tackles near— tho monster to outrun. But unmolested passed thejfleet, o'er Hellespontic wave, From Alexander's grasping paw Byzantium to save. — Now vigilant as sentinel— they watch in Tnzla's Bay, To scare the Northern Autocrat like bulldogs from his prey. Then raise your voice ye Britons bold— give three times three loud cheers For Army and for Navy, and your gallant Volunteers : Whilst Ministers around the throne its bulwark long has been, And flourishing in health and peace, Long live our Gracious Queen. John Cross. Hokitika, May 24, 1878.