THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 8991, 24 October 1896, Page 4

THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR.

Anniversary Celebrations.

Great Enthusiasm in England and

Canada.

(By Eleetrio Tolograph— Copyrigth.) (Per United Press Association.) London, October 21. To-day being the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar (fought on tha 21st October, 1805), Lord Nelson's statue was gaily deoorated. Among the wreaths plaoed on the monument was one from the Colonial Institute. The newspapers in patriotic articles mbb st that the Navy should be strengthened. The Navy League had arranged with' 200 towns to celebrate the battle of .Trafalgar. Vast crowds assembled in Trafalgar Square, and intense enthusiasm was displayed. Many of the crews of the ironclads of the fleet sent wreathß, and flags were flying from public buildings and clubs.

Later. Two hundred and fifty towns celebiated the anniversary of the Trafalgar victory. Special enthusiasm has been shown at Chatham, Portsmouth, Rochester, Tarmouth and Cardiff. The famoia flag signal of Nehon was exhibited over his monument in Trafalgar Square. Montreal was decorated, and both Toronto and Hongkong sent wreaths to be placed on Nelson's statue. Mr Neild, a member of the New South Wales Parliament, in a letter to the press, rujretted that there was not a single wreath from Australia received, from which he concluded that the colonies had not been invited to participate; bat next .year he hoped this would be remedied. Mr Goschen, First Lord of the Admiralty, refused permission for a guard of sailora and marines to be stationed at the statue, a,3 it was not in accordance with tho custom of the service. The teachers in tbe Board Sohools had strictly emphasised the importance of celebrating' the Trafalgar victory, and workmen eagerly bought literature referring to the battle. ' Thousands of sailors were admitted into the Indian Exhibition gratis. The French people are much irritated at the display, and complain that the British show but little tact.