THE BATTLE CRUISER.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1702, 19 March 1913, Page 8

THE BATTLE CRUISER.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE RECEPTION. ' A conference in connection with the approaching visit of the battle-cruiser New Zealand took place yesterday in the office of the Hon. H. D. Bell (Minister for Internal Affairs). Those who took part: Tho Hon. H. D. Bell, tho Hon. It. H. Rhodes (Acting-Minister for Defence), Mr. B. M. Wilson (Tourist Department), Mr.. C. W. Palmer (Navy League), and Major. Hume. A further conference on the subject is to take place to-day. It is understood that no definite arrangements have as yet been made in con-. nection with the part to be played by the military forces in connection with the reception of tho New Zealand, but that they will participate. In connection with the excursions which are to Iks organised on. behalf of tho officers and crew of tho battle-cruiser, it is understood that visits to tho Wereroa State Farm and to other places of interest in tho district within reach of Wellington are projected. It is proposed to ask Captain Halsey to permit the visits of school children to the battle-cruiser on seven days out of tho fourteen which she is expected to *spend in Wellington Harbour. Keen interest continues to bft manifested by people, in the country districts regard-' ing the approaching visit of the New Zealand. Mr. Palmer (secretary of tho '-Wellington Navy. League), yesterday received requests for information regarding the reception arrangements, etc., from the authorities of the Wanganui Collegiate School, from Mr. J. C. Kirk,'who represents tho Navy Leaguo at Gisborne, from some leading citizens of Marten, and from the headmasters of numerous schools who are anxious to arrange for visits by their scholars.

The Navy League has been advised by the-City Council that a rent of .£lO will be charged for tho use of the Town Hall on the occasion of the ball at which officers of the New Zealand are to be entertained under, tho auspices of the leaguo. On the occasion of the citizens' ball at which Admiral Sir Richard Pooro was entertained, the-uso of the Town Hall was granted free of i charge. . _ , A lotter was received by the Wharves and Accounts Committee of the_ Harbour Board yesterday from Mr. C. W. Palmer, secretary of the Navy League, suggesting that on the day of the arrival in tho port of the battle-cruiser New Zealand a whole holiday should bo observed on the wharves. The letter was received merely, and the question was passed on. to 'the 'board to be decided at tho meeting on Wednesday'next.