H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1690, 5 March 1913, Page 8

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND.

SOUTH AFRICAN FETES,

By Tolegraph—Press Association— Copyright

Cape Town, March 3. Sir N. Frederic de Waal, Administrator of Cape of Good Hope, speaking at a banquet tendered the oflicers of the battleship New Zealand, said that the aryivaLof the New Zealand showed South Africans that they were a part of the Empire for Ever, and emphasised the desirability of a larger patrisusm of Empire. Ho said lie hoped to see a South African nationalism, which would bring the realisation of South Africa's duty and readiness always to do her share with the other Dominions in maintaining the Empire in its present proud position.

LUNCHEON TO THE CEEW.

(Eec. March 4, 11.50 p.m.) Cape Town, March 1. A thousand school , children visited the battleship New Zealand. The Government entertained at luncheon "250 of the crew' at Groote Schur. . Lord Gladstone, in the afternoon, entertained the officers at a tennis party, and in the evening the Netherlands Constitution Lodge gave them a Masonic leception.

SOUTH AFRICAN NAVAL POLICY,

JUST'AND HONEST SHARE. Cape Town, March 3. The Automobile Club toured the officers around Table Mountain, land the Government subsequently entertained them at lunch at Constantia. General Smuts (Minister for Defence) presided. In his speech ho said he welcomed the New Zealand's visit to South Africa, which was the first part of the Empire to begin (ho policy of presenting a battle-ship-cruiser, the Good Hope being tlio first outcome. "We don't get much crcdit for that these days. AVhen hinging back a bit; the credit lias gone to other parts of the Empire." South Africa never really had a naval policy, but the subject was coming to the front. South Africa would have to go quietly; even New Zealand had no fixed policy. She presented a Dreadnought, but her Minister for Defence was now suggesting that |t would be preferable to build a navy in conjunction with Australia. New Zealand and Australia might very well say that they would do their best to patrol their own seas, but South Africa happened to be 011 one of the greatest trade routes, and it was too big a demand to ask her to be responsible for that; however,there was 110 reason why she should not bear her just and honest shnre. He was sure South Africa would not hang back when called upon. The New Zealand's visit was most stimulating, and ho hoped to' assist in evolving a policy that would be worthy of South Africa.