THE BATTLESHIP.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1717, 7 April 1913, Page 5

THE BATTLESHIP.

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND AT J MELBOURNE. i SPEECH BY LORD DENMAN. ( MR. F.M.B. FISHER ON DEFENCE J AND RECIPROCITY. ] AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING. j By Tclcurapli—Press Association—Copyright (Roc. April 7, 0.30 a.m.) Melbourne, April G. A largo and enthusiastic gathering, including Lord Deuman (the Governor-Gen-eral), public men, distinguished naval and military officers, assembled at a dinner tendered by the Commonwealth Government to the captain and officers of the battle-cruiser New Zealand. The act-ing-Minister for Defence (Mr. Hughes) presided, Lord Den man expressed pleasure at. welcoming tho guests. His only regret was that their visit was so short. Ho would liavo liked the officers and men to have had timo to visit tho inland towns, also that the New Zealand have been able to visit other ports. After' quoting Sir. Pearco's remarks on the all-importance of naval dofence, Lord Deuman added that judging by tho utterances of ' her public men, Australia was ready to use her ships to co-operate with tho Mother Country whenover and whatever danger threatens. Ho was quite sure, that no one in Australia would question the patriotism and lino Imperial spirit which prompted New Zealand to contribute such a fin© ship to tho Empire. She was a model of up-to-dato naval construction, and was fortunate in her officers. They had undertaken an Imperial mission in steaming across the world to show what tho loyal Dominions wero doing. Ho hoped they would survive tho good time,mapped out for them in New Zealand., Mr. Hughes proposed tho toast of tho Now Zealand, coupled with tho name of Captain Halsey. I Ho said Australia welcomed thoso abroad as kinsmen., and as missioners in a very great and dreadful purpose of a new'era—an era which ho and every right-thinking man regrdtted. Sensible men, however, could not, and would not, close their eyes to tho conditions which menaced and threatened to destroy them. They would be doubly stupid if they did not recognise tho position, and wero prepared for tho situation that might arise. They would havo to take an active part in tho defence of the Empire. They need not fear criticism as to what Australia was doing, or offer any on what New Zealand was doing. Tho. world, was looking on and making a note of it. Now Zealand, Australia, and Canada taught tho wliolo World a lesson, and if anything would mako for pcaco that would. Captain Halsey, in replying, said 'tho generosity of New Zealand in .presenting such a ship as the New Zealand had a tremondous moral effect on tho strength and solidarity of tho Empire. Mr. Tudor proposed tho toast of tho Dominion of Now Zealand, coiipliug with it tho namo of tho Hon. 1 F. M. B. Fisher. Ho expressed a wish that conferences arranged between Canada, Australia, and New Zealand might result in a reciprocal arrangement. Mi-. Fisher, in 'reply, after expressing his appreciation of tho h6spitality, 6aid ono of the finest Imperialistic messages over delivered was thait of tho Prima Minister when he said tho Dominions of tho Southern Hemisphere might bo ■ relied on to their last man, their last gun, and their last sovereign. With that sentiment New Zealand was in entire accord. He did not believo in spasmodic contributions. They should bo permanent, .substantial, and reliable. The New Zealand was not tho gift of the Government to which he belonged, but of their predecessors in office,. but his Government mado no concessions to thoso predecessors in tho question of Imperialism. They wore prepared to do all that was asked or might bo required of them. Any matters of defence concerning Australians also concerned New Zealandcrs, and they must ultimately bo united for purposes of common defence. (Loud cheers.) Dealing with reciprocity, Mr. Rslier said New Zealand wanted tho Commonwealth to treat them as brothers and as units in the samo Empire. If he could go back having done something to cement the friendship of tho two countries ho would feel that ho had played a little part in the consummation of a good work. Ho only wanted Australia to deal as generously with Now Zealand as New ZealaAd was prepared to deal with Australia. COMMENTS ON COOL RECEPTION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. April G, 5.5 p.m.) Melbourne, April 0. Some comment has been made as to tho want of public interest in H.M.S. Now Zealand's visit here. Ono explanation put forward is probably becauso tho public are waiting for the arrival of tho cruiser Australia. In a letter publised in tho "Argus," "Australian," tho writer says:— "Like many other Victorious, I have been watching for a proposal to suitably entertain tho crew of tho battleship Now Zealand, but no notice appears to havo been taken of our guests, apart from the officers. "When ono thinks of tho royal manner in. which tho American Squadron was entertained, it makes ono disgusted to think of tho cool treatment aeoorded to the ship provided by a sister Dominion." A "FLUTTER" IN CHRISTCHURCH. SPEEDING-UP ARRANGEMENTS. (By Telegraph.—Press' Association.) Christchurch, April 5. Tho announcement in this morning's cable message from Melbourno that H.M.S. New Zealand is to make Lyttellon her first port of call in the Dominion, created quite a flutter amongst largo numbers who are interesting themselves in tho preparations for the entertainment of the officers aud crew of tho warship. In view of recent 'definite statements that Now Zealand's Dreadnought would first visit Wellington and then Auckland, it was thought that there would be ample time for perfecting and completing arrangements already sketched out, but the reccipt of this morning's news has nut quite a different complexion on matters, and-all and sundry recognise that the preparations must bo speeded up and pushed forward with the greatest possible expedition. Tho secretary of tho General Committee arranging for the entertainment of tho officers and men informed a reporter this morning that under instructions from the Mayor (Mr. 11. Holland) ho had dispatched this morning the following cablo messugo to Captain Halsey, of H.M.S. New Zealand: "When do you expect to arrive at Lvttolton aud how many davs freo from 'coaling will tho sliip bo there?" Tho following cablo mos?ngo has been sent by tho Harbour 'Board to Captain Halsey, of H.M.S. Now Zealand: "Wo understand by cablo message, published this morning, that your ship will como direct (o Lyltolton from Melbourne, Owing to difficulties in embarking school children and other visitors off Camp Bay the board hopes thai: you will allow your ship to bo bol'lhcd at No, 3 jotty at Lyttelton. Can safely berth your ship draw-.

ing np to 30 feet. Tho harbourmaster will submit to you 011 arrival plans of soundings just made." Tho Mayor has received tho following reply from Captain Ualsey of 11.M.5. New Zoaland to his inajuiry as to when tho warship would nrrivo in Lyltclton and , how long f,ho would stay:— "Information required not known.' Governor arranging program mo Now Zealand." In another column members of tho Citizens' Naval Ball Committee are asked to meet at the Mayor's room at l> p.m. today. It is desired that each member shall bo present and indicato tho probable number of .tickets that 'ho call guarantee Another rehearsal of tho Navy League Juvenile Choir is to bo held at tho Town Hall this afternoon. One teacher from each of the schools is asked to bo present.