FLAGSHIP AUSTRALIA.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1791, 2 July 1913, Page 7

FLAGSHIP AUSTRALIA.

ROYAL, INSPECTION.

REAR-ADMIRAL PATEV KNIGHTED. Bi Telicrash—Prwi Allocution— Cony riihl London, June 30. Rear-Admiral ■ ■ Patey, Commander-in-Chief of the Australian 1 Fleet,. received on board the battle cruiser Australia (the flagship) his Majesty the King and Prince Edward of Wales. Sir George Reid (High Commissioner far'. Australia) was also present. After an inspection of the vessel, the King addressed the officers. He expressed appreciation of the ship, and wished the officers and crew a pleasant voyage. After the inspeotion the King conferred a knighthood of the Victorian Order on Rear-Admiral Patey. The "Pall Mall Gazette" says that the King, by his visit, will send to the people of Australia a message that they, by an action which seemed good ito take, are bearing a shaio in maintaining the safety and honour of the Empire. The paper adds: "Those who inclined to think that the Commonwealth policy is selfish must remember that Australia has good reasons for desiring a powerful fleet in the Pacific; also that the Commonwealth is spending more pot head than any of the other Dominions, and almost as much as the Motherland." A POPULAR DISTINCTION. (Rec. July 1, 11.40 p.m.) 1 London, July 1. Rear-Admiral .Patera knighthood was received with acclamation on board the flagship. THE KING'S CARE FOR THE MEN. (Roc. July 2, 0.45 a:m.) London, July 1. The "Australian sailors were drawn up on deck, when Rear-Admiral Patey welcomed the King and the Prince of Wales. His Majesty closely inspected the vessel,and visited the'barbettes, showing keen interest in all the details of the armament. He was extremely solicitous about the comfort of the officers and men, and commented upon, the 'improved conditions as compared with his own sea service days. He also inquired regarding the native-born Australians serving on board. The officers then joined up with the Royal group, on ithe- quarter-deck, .and the party was photographed, with the King in the centre. .. After the inspeotion, Sir George Reid, on behalf of the Australian Government and people, thanked the King for his visit ito "this your Majesty's-first Australian flagship." The. King replied that he was very pleased with all that he had seen. Then, borrowing his equerry's sword, he knighted Rear-Admiral Patey. Tho Royal party and Sir George Reid afterwards lunched at .Portsmouth,