THE BATTLESHIP "NEW ZEALAND."

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 505, 12 May 1909, Page 4

THE BATTLESHIP "NEW ZEALAND."

, VISIT OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER. .. Tho High Commissioner, accompanied by his private secretary, Mr. J. A. Mason,, paid a visit to Portland Roads to present to His Majesty's battleship New Zealand a, portrait of tho late Mr. Seddon, which is tho gift of lira. Seddon to the ship. As the High Commissioner came on board, the ship's band played the New Zealand National Anthem, arid the whole of the ship's company, 700 strong, lined up at the salute. The crew were mustered on the quarterdeck for tho presentation, and Mr. Hall-Jones, in handing over tho gift, addressed tho men, referring especially to tho patriotic offer of New Zealand to present one or two Dreadnoughts to the Mother Country. The reference to the New Zealand offer was .received with tremendous cheering, and the applause broke out again wheu the High Commissioner, spoke of tho contingents which the colonies sentito help England in the Boer war. . The gift was acknowledged by Captain Stoddart on behalf of the officers and crew of the battleship. He the High Commissioner very heartily for coming down from London to present-the portrait in person, instead of merely sending 'it, andsaid that his action was greatly appreciated by all on board. He'asked Mr. HallJones to convey to Mrs. Seddon the sincere thanks of himself, his officers, and men for her gift, which would bo hung in the wardroom. He then called for cheers for tho High Commissioner and for New Zealand. After these had been given, a sailor' called out 'Three cheers for Mrs. Seddon," and tho company responded with rousing cheers. Tho High Commissioner had been invited to dino and spend the night on board the battleship, but, owing to pressure of business, he had to roturn to town the same day. , - The High Commissioner was surprised,.to find how many officers on board -the Now Zealand were either married or related to New Zealandcrs. . Lieutenant -Popham is married to.a sister of Sir Arthur Douglas ex-Uudor Secretary . for. Defence in the Dominion, and another lioutenant. is 'ho nephew of Mr. Porter, of Auckland.—"British Australasian." . .