AN AUSPICIOUS DAY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 279, 21 August 1919, Page 6

AN AUSPICIOUS DAY

L., a IS. NEW ZEALAND ARRIVES ! ! " picturesque' welcome by j ":;.:: school children P"' ; " RUSH OF SPECTATORS LJciyic reception to lord jellicoe

! When on the afternoon of April 12,

; 1913, ILM.S. New Zealand first arrived ! in Wellington on her maiden world tour, j the elements wero foreboding and iihreat- ; ening. Black clouds lowered in tho dis-

i tance, and all was gloom, save tho spirits j. o| the people. It seemed as though tho !■ elemental forces were portent with trouble to come to tho ship that is in j almost every eeuse "our .ship." 'That I trouble' did come in the greatest war of | all times, and all New Zealanders know | how well the honour of this country was ' kept bright by tin? gallant men who | fought her at Heligoland, Dogger Bank, | and Jutland. Playing her part gamely j she came through all. threo battles prac- [ tically without a scratch. The glorious ! weather that. prevailed yesterday moru- ' ing, when the battle-cruiser forged' her | vay slowly up the entrance into a harI bour flooded with sunshine, was symbolic i of trouble past and fighting ended. Overi head tho sky was cloudless, and there was I ju6t the lightest north-westerly _ breeze blowing to give an edgo to the stimulat--1 ing freshness of tho morning, i ' Faithful to time-table, H.M.S. New ! Zealand passed up the entrance at 8 a.m., and became visible to watchers at i Thorndon at about 8.15 a.m., and to ' 'those thousands of school-children who 1 'lined the Oriental Bay Parado and Clydo A Quay at 8.30 a.m. Taking a fairly wido j 'sweep round Point Halswell, the speed ! -was" reduced perceptibly as the vessel ' passed Evans Bay, but having set her ! course for tho sweep round tho inner i "tebour the New Zealand moved along i' smajtly, keeping so closo inshoro that it ! oould bo plainly seen that tho vessel s j ' decks wero "manned" with bluejackets, ' .and the fitful breeze conveyed wafts of ! martial music from the ship's band, i "which could bo seen grouped amidships. | ..While-'from tho shipping import, and i/froni numerous warehouses, Government ! and municipal buildings, and residences, ; fburiting was flown in great urofusion, the ■ -warship sported the "Jack" at the mam !. and the white ensign of the British Navy | •'■' oft. As the wharf was approached, the ! New Zealand ensign was run up to the j fore-peak, showing what the ' baulej cruiser stood for—New Zealand, the Bri- [ ' tish Empire, and the Navy.

t' The Children's Welcome, f '. As the Meat-grey bulk, witih her highi "piled.bridges, and massive fighting forei J,top,siu'gefl"past Oriental Bay, the .-hole i "extent of tiie roadway from the extremity 1 of Point Jerninghnm to To Aro Baths i presented an unbroken line of fluttering ' "Union Jacks," waved by the joyously- ! excited .-school-children from Wellington : and 'suburbs. In tho glint of the morni ing sunlight, the spectacle was as ptc- ' turesque as-it was exhilarating, gladden- ■ ing to : ;the eye and the heart. Seeing • these children so artless and whole-souled ' in. their ebullitions of joy and inbred j pride of race, there flashed across tho | niind those memorable lines of Milton to i Cromwell :—

l" '• '.fTSace Kath.her victories !' No less renowned than war." i H M.S. New Zealand, passing "slow ! and majestical" before the eyes, had ( StasteS"' victory in war—now she is j • 'noting:'"'.isoberly -in those, of peace, ; ei3 ..wall she may. And even as the troy • Hags.fluttered from, fix thousand of the j men and women of to-morrow, the <ur ! ,'wkis kept singing with miniaturo cheers i '—a sustained paean of welcome, as sincere , and .hc-arty. as any that could bo imag--1 :jned. ..It. was altogether a charming and ! hopeful- : sight. -safely Berthea. • Inside the harbour, the harbourmaster i (Captain Dawson) took charge of the • cruiser, deciding ilin.t his should "be the j responsibility of berthing tilie big ship. ! . AYith a vessel 590i't. in length, an SOtt. i 'beam, and drawing 27ft. 7in. aft, that responsibility was not a light one. When the-harbourmaster went off to the New Zealand the wind -was northerly, but at ' 9 a.m., as the cruiser was moving up to -her berth, 4t chopped round to the west- . f.vard,. from, which point of the compass ' 'the wind seldom comes moro than two j or "three times a year. Tliia had the i fefsect .of .blowing tho vessel (which has. ; massive top hamper) oft' the berth—tho 1 vefy worst,wind in which to berth a | boat.' However, little time was lost, and ! -the bMp, which was greeted with roMeys ! .of oheers as she drew whan, | iyas made "all snug" alongsido by 9.30 a m-, which was creditable work for the jort officials concerned. . ' A Street Parade. : '/."-As" tho morning advanced, large crowds ! in tlio mam streets ana on i - 'the Queen's. Wnarf ana its vicinity. It | 'was estimated that tliere niust navo been •7OUO to SOW on and off iliß wiiart at 11 On the Ijiieeii's Wliarf it was

good to see that some attempt at aecora- <- tion liad been niadc. At Uiu barrier (uie I outside berths have been siiut oil' by a sixI foot palisade) stood two flag-poles, and ! between them billowed and flapped a ' Bli'ing of. gay bunting. The trunk of the : vihai-t'. was arched an half-a-dozen places ! by trailing Jycopodium dotted with ilowi era, and ntar the shoreward arch like j girl's from the Post and Telegraph l)eI pertinent, accommodated in two lorries, took their stand beneath a calico ; streamer, which said: "Tenakoe! Tenakoe! Ton thousand i Welcomes t'rom the Girls of the P. and ; The girls were not disposed to spare J anyone their good-natured attentions. Admiral 1.-ord Jellieoe, when he left by i motor to pay his official visit to the Gov- ! ernor'-General, was, with Jiis staff, f.l'.ow- ! ere d with confetti, and when Lord Liver- ! pool was returning the visit ho was simif larly treated. The banging of the guns at Buckle Street aDd on the New Zealand proclaimed to WeWington that eticjuotto I was 'being subscribed to in thf. customary j wa y. The Primo Minister (Eight Hon. - AN* \F Ma cc ey). members of t'ho Cabinet, r and t'ho Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke, M.P. i O'At.G.) "Is" called formally on Viscount j Jeliicoe, aiid were honoured lr/ a return I visit. j': What the general public woro S. more interested in, however, was i the parado of ii section of the i Now Zealand's company, its a prehulo to <' thc : civic reception at noon. Hie wind j «. at 10 a.m. liatl shifted, from west to • south, and an ominous bank of vleadcoloured clouds <iwnv lo the south-east f- threatened a change of weather, wit, fori ti'.nately, after a few heavy spots of rain l < had dropped on the pavement, the sky l: cleared again. At 11.35 a.m. a.moveI ii'eiit was observed on tho wharf, and i guided by two Mounted Police, and headed by the ship's military band (under Mr. Pragnell) and pipo baud, soino 250 men of various units stepped ashore, amidst a clamour of delighted cheers. In their big white pith holmels, evidontly designed for warmer clinics than ours, P the bandsmen looked very smart, and

[I played with ft lilt Unit wns distinctly H inspiriting. When they wanted a spell k four sailor pipers and four ej.pert druinI mers caught up the swing and carried I on. Tho calisthonic (icliiefom.mt's of the I big drummer caught (ho general eye at once. Following the band a squad of ? bluejackets, jarrying rides with fixed liajonets, and wearing little round straw lints, .stepped out boldly. Thsre was another squad of sailor; with sido arms 1 only, and squads of Itoyal Marines, arti- ' fliers, two liVld-giii) crews, pulling, 12jjounders, polished as bright as needles, j and half a dozen Lewis ;;unners, carryI ing their heavy-looking weapons 011 their i shouldeTs, arms that at first glance look- »; -Hl-a..TaHna Vvftm a-nn.qfc- s instead nt

being n particularly modern and deadly field weapon.

The column was led by Commander Thomas 1\ P. Calvert, D.S.O. Other officers in charge of units were Lieutenants John S. Ilaimnill, linbert L. B. CunJili'c, Michael M'Master, Felix E. Chevallier, Captain Cecil Brook-Snort (of tiie Royal -Marines), Lieutenant E. Leslia S. Kussell (artificers), and Mr. "Whiting, 0.8.'1 J. (iu charge of the field-gun crews). The routo taken from the wharf was Customhouse Quay, Willis Street, Manners Sfreot, Lower Cuba Street, and m via Jervois Qauy 'back to the Queen's Wharf. As soon as tho ctlumn had passed the Town Hall, Admiral Viscount Jellicoe and his staff arrived in motor-cars and received a vociferous welcomo from the crowd. Tho soul ol punctuality, Admiral Jellicoe, stepped into the vestibule of the hall as the Post Office clock proclaimed that it was noon, and straightway he and his staff, accompanied by members of tho Ministry, tho Mayor and Mayoress, and several members o? the City Council, proceeded into the hall and on to the platform, amidst cheers from an assemblage wbich packed the big auditorium.

THE CITY'S WELCOME

A SPLENDID RECEPTION NAVY'S SERVICE TO THE WORLD, An Exceedingly cordial welcome was Riven to Admiral Jellicoe and Lad}' Jellicoe at the civic reception in the Town Hull yesterday. Long before the appointed hour the hall ,was crowded to tho safety limit, and hundreds of people came.along late to find tho doors locked and guarded. When the Admiral and his staff and senior officers of tho ship ciuno up to the platform iho great audience rose and .cheered and applauded. Nover has any visitor to Wellington had a better reception. Along with tho Mayor were several members of tho City Council. all tho Ministers of tho Crown, and senior officers of the Headquarters staff. One notable change in respect to tho military was that they wore for the first time. since August, 1911, tho full dress uniform of blue, with long coats and gold braid.

Fleet's Share in Victory. The Mayor (llr. J. V. Luke) said that he was sure the citizens of Wellington present would join with him in welcoming Viscount Jellicoe and Lady Jellicoe to the city of Wellington. (Applause.) Tltev had mot many visitors to our shores who had come on account of incidents of the war, and these strangers had all been made welcome in Wellington. but not one of them could be more welcome that the distinguished guest on the platform that day. The people of the British Empire were under an undying obligation io Lord Jellicoe for the work he had carried through in tho great war. (Applause.) At the time of tho declaration of- hostilities, almost before tho news had reached the outlying parts of tho Empire, Admiral Jellicoe had tho Grand Fleet in being, prepared to meet the enemy, and he took his fleet into tho North Sea. . Admiral Jellicoe knew that ha would have to meet a resourceful enemy, using wicked practices unknown in previous wars, and lie had to avoid any rashness that might have tho effect of putting the Empire at a disadvantage. The Grand Fleet had made it possible for the citizens of Wellington to be present in their own hall that day. They honoured the great work of the brave men of the Army, among whom were soldiers from this country, and also the brave men of the Navy and tho auxiliary services, and of the mercantile marine. But for the Navy, the Armv would not liavo been able to accomplish anything. Mr. Luke went on to speak of tho Jutland fight, the last important naval fight of tho war. The Germans had claimed this battle as a victor}', but if this were so, how was .it that their ships were now at tho bottom in Scapa Flow? The truth was that tho Germans suffered distinct defeat, and they knew that if they came out again not only would they bo courting defeat again, but that their fate would be total annihilation. On behalf of tho citizens of Wellington he offered to Admiral Jellicoe, Lady Jellicoe, tho Admiral's staff, and tlie officers and men of H.M.S. New Zealand, sincere congratulations on their safo arrival and a hearty welcome to the city. (Applause.)

A Great Occasion. .Councillor A. R. Atkinson was called upon to speak. He declared that tiia occasion one of the greatest that had ever occurred in this city or in the Dominion. All could remember when a thrill ran through tlio city when Sir Joseph ,Ward, "in a moment of happy inspiration" decided to present a dreadnought to the Admiralty. Most of them could recall another thrill when the battle-cruiser New Zealand came to visit this country some four years lator. Now the ship had como back again altar six more years, six of tiie most eventful years in the history of the world, alter teking a most honoiuable part in the thickest of the lights which saved tho Uinpiro and tho world. And she had returned to us flying the Hag of one of the greatest of Uritich seamen. (Applause.) Our debt to him and the gallant men who had fought with him could not bo expressed in words. Par years they had stood between us and complete destruction. But we knew the Navy would not fail us, aud tho hope had been justified. Napoleon had once said that if he' could be master of the Channel for six hours ho could be master of the world. That was in IriOl, and as tho battle of Trafalgar came in the following year, presumably he did not pursue those speculations further. At tho beginning, oi the war, tho Kaiser, not nearly so great a man, probably had tho same ideas, but tlio Battle of Jutland did for him what the Battle of Trafalgar did for Napoleon. Por four years and more the Navy had protected tho 'Empire and the world, anu it had not failed us for six hours or six minutes. To the men who had saved us ami saved tho world, our feelings were those of intense thankfulness and admiration aud sympathy, and ho hoped that tho people of Wellington would show to them sympathy of a practical kind. He believed that our feelings were tempered with a sense of responsibility. Tho gift of tho battle-cruiser by the Ward Government had been a stimulant to the patriotism of the country and of tho Empire, but a.stimulant was not to bo relied upon long lor support. The gift was a spasin rather than a policy. Lord «fellicoe had como to New Zealand to holp New Zealand to find a policy. It was for tlio people ol New Zealand to show themselves worthy of their distinguished counsellor.

Prime Minister's' Greetings, * The Prime Minister, who was received with prolonged applause and cheers, said that it was his privilege to welcome Admiral Lord Jeliicoe 011 behalf of the people of New Zealand. "I welcome you as a distinguished sailor and as one who has taken n prominent part in the defence ui' the Empire in its hour of peril," said Mr. Mnssey. "I welcome you and your oliicoM and men as representatives, of tho great British Navy, which is in very largo part responsible for the fact t!»vi we are able to meet hero to-day as free citizens of a free country." It. was owing to tho work .and the. mixlit. of. tlw. British N«vy. that

a hundred thousand Nov/ Zcalanders, the {lick of the Dominion's manhood, hud boon iible to respond to the Empire's call iu tlio hour of need. It was owing to tlio British Navy—and Ixo was glad to have tlio opportunity of acknowledging it—that tho trado routes wero kept open and communication maintained during the years o! tho war. Lord Jellicoe ivould find that the people of New Zealand had a most affectionate regard for the Navy. (Applause.) .It was natural that should lie so. New Zcalanders came of seafaring Block. They had the salt in their blood. They were a maritime people by descent, tradition and environment, and that trait would become more prominent in t lie character of New Zcalanders us tho years rolled by. Mr. Mnssoy said that lie hoped Lord Jellieoo and tho men under his command would enjoy their stay in New Zealand. The people of this country were glad to know tliat although most of their sons had served in tlio Army during war, because it was to military service particularly that they had been called, there had been New Zcalanders in the Navy. New Zealand railors had fought in every action in which the British Navy had been engaged during tho war. They had taken their full share in tho memorable naval raids at Zeebrugge and Ostend. (Applause.) "Let me add," said the Prime Minister, "that I hope' your vidit will lie beneficial not only to this country, which is 110 insignificant part of the Umpire, but to the Empire as a frhole.' (Applause.)

Sir Joseph Ward. Sir Joseph "Ward, who was received with applause, said that ho felt, with tho other speakers, that tho day was a proud ono for New Zealand. The guest of the day was the great British sailor who had carried on his shoulders at a critical juncture a greater responsibility in'connection with the future of the civilised world than any man in any position ever did before. (Applause.) It was very oasy for critics, after events had passed, to say what should have been done in certain contingencies. Admiral Jellicoe, at the time of the Battlo ot' Jutland, had known that tho Grand "Fleet, was tho only barrier between tho safety of the Empire and the enemy. He hod met the enemy at u tiiuo of tiia enemy's choosing, and he had understood what might be tho consequents of a rash act or a great mistake. Lord Jellicoe acted on that occasion in the best interests of the Empire, irrespective of what the world might say. Sir Joseph Ward said that he had no hesitation in affirming his belief that the British Fleet had been in wise hands at the Battle of Jutland. (Applause.) He believed that opinion was held by the vast majority of tho officers and men of the Grand ileet,. and by the vast majority of the people of the Empire. (Applause.) The Germans, after the battle, circulated a report that they had beaten the British Fleet. They showed their appreciation of their great win bv remaining in port during the rest of Ihe war, until they came out and crossed the' North Sea for the purpose of being interned in a British harbour. (Applause.) Lord Jellicoe's visit to New Zealand was one of great importance to Hie country, since his ripe judgment and wide experience were going to bo used in assisting New Zealand to do what might seem best for the future; protection and preservation of tho Empire. Sir Joseph Ward added that ho did not helievo the people of New Zealand would ever allow the question of the naval defence of the Dominion to be made a matter of party politics. Tho public, men and people of New Zealand would wait anxiously for tho recommendations that Lord Jellicoe would make for-their consideration. In the meantime, they extended a most cordial welcomo to Lord Jellicoe. Lady Jellicoe, and the officers and men of the New Zealand. (Applause.)

THE GUEST IN REPLY. ABOUT THE NEW ZEALAND. Admiral Jellicoe was received with an outburst of enthusiastic applause and cheering when he stood to speak. For some minutes it was not possible for him to speak because the cheering and tho applause continued from all over the hall. "I hardly know," said Lord Jellicoe, "how any' man occupying the position which I am holding at this moment, can express adequately in words wiiat he feels in his heart, words which aro adequate to 'express to such an audience as this the grateful thanks of myself and Lady Jellicoe, tho members cf my staff, and the officers and men of your ship—(applause)—for a welcome which has never been exceeded in our experience. It is true then when we came to New Zealand in New Zealand's ship we expected that you would be glad to seo tis, and we have certaintly not been disappointed. We are all of us very proud indeed to be manning your ship, and to bo coming here in 11.M.5. NewZealand as representatives of tho whole Royal Navy. But on board the New Zealand thefe if> no prouder man than myself, who have tho great honour of flying my .flag on board that ship. On a notable occasion on February I, 1913, when Sir Tliomas Mackenzie went down to Portsmouth, and Miss Mackenzie unveiled the coat of arms of H.M.S. New Zealand, Sir Lionel Halsey, then Captain' Halsey, said that the honour of Now Zealand was in tho keeping of the ship's company of H.M.S. New Zealand, and God willing, they would see to it that that honour was kept bright. I think the people of New Zealand will agree that, the officers and men of that timo on board tho New Zealand, the same officers and men that came out here, kept their promise. (Applause.) They could not do anything else. They had in their hands the honour of a great Dominion. H.M.S.. New Zealand, as you 'know, took part in every action fought in the North Sea. (Applause.) On August 28, 1914, when we had our first scrap with the Germans, the New Zealand was there. She fired 82 rounds from her twelve-inch ginis. and she torpedoed the German light cruiser Koln, which afterwards sank. On January 24, J. 915, at the Dogger Bank, H.M.S. New Zealand took a very honourable part. Tho greater part of her 139 rounds fired were devoted to sinking the armoured cruiser Blucher. The Germans, uot unusually, were running away as hard as they could go. H.M.S. New Zealand, a 2.5-knot ship, exceeded all records to keep up with them, and got up u speed of 27 knots. All honour to the officers and men of the engine-room and tho stokehold, who, remembering the words of Captain Halsey, determined that your ship should bo represented there, that no run-away effort on the part of the Germans would keep the New Zealand from tackling them. At the Battle of Jutland, to which allusion has been made j this .jnorning, the New Zealand engaged the enemy's battle-cruisers, firing a total of -130 rounds during the day. I always look upon it as a sign of good shooting when tho enemy doesn't hit you back. To tho 480 rounds fired, tho Now Zealand received only one hit back, the probablo reason being that with her fire she crushed the fire of the enomy. I think, citizens of Wellington, that you will agreo that yonr ship carried out her share in the naval part of the war. j

Business anil Pleasure. "On the last occasion that, the Now Zealand visited this Dominion the visit was one of pleasure. She came I'iero on pleasure bent, aiitl I have heard from everybody who was 011 board that they were not disappointed in the reception thev were given, or in the pleasure it Rave thorn to spond two haiipy months anion;; you. Our visit 011 tins occasion is 0110 of business. We don't mean to be done out of such pleasure as you are kind enough to give us. We shall welcome it from the bottom of our hearts, lull: all UlO time thoro will be nt the back of mv mind, and the minds of the officers of mv staff, tlut we have work to do here. The officers and men of the Now Zealand will be grateful recipients nf your hospitality. I have only asked that occasionally my days may be left free because 1 know what New Zealand's unbounded hospitality is, in order that I niav do satisfactorily (lie work noon which I havu been sent. But this (locH not apply to the ollicers and men of the ship, not only lu my poor staff and nivficlf. Tlie.v will Ije able to reap fullv of the pleasures of this beautiful country.

Women and Ships, "New Zealand has ever led the world in matters feminine.' I have not forgotten that New Zealand was the first country of the British Empiro which gave women the vote. (Applause.) 1 have not forgotten tliat New Zealand was tho tirst overseas |»rtion of tho British Emniro which had a Navy of its own. I am not at this momont referrinc.. to

If.Jf.S. New Zealand, but to four small cargo steamers fitted out and made bul-let-proof by the N./i. Government in 181!:). New Zealand again led I he. way in l!)0 l J with her gift ship for the British Empire. Ships are feminine, and therefore J say thai; New Zealand has always led Ilia way in matters feminine. New Zealand has a great and long lasting conneelin'i willi iho I'cyal Navy, from Ihe days of Captain Cook to its first l.iciiten-ani-CioveriKir, and its second Governor, who were naval officers. We feel, therefore, in Hie British Navy that in coming to New Zealand we are coming home. (Applause.,l We all know how deep an interest New Zealand has always taken in matters naval. We don't wonder at it bet-anise New Zealand lias always appreciated ilia vital necessity of sea power for ihr- Umpire, But if wo ever had any (inubt on tho matter it would have been disabused during our voya-jo out here from England by a gallant ;o!dinr, Clutha Mackenzie, whom, I am fclad to say, proud to s::y, we had Ihe pleasure of bringing out as far as Australia. He was a representailve of fhat gallant band, that glorious band, of nearly 10(1,(100' officers mid men who came from this landto fight lor the British Umpire, whose deeds have won glory that will never die. that will-go down to history, ami will la.st for ever. (Applause.)

"The men of tho Royal Navy had iiiilmate association with the heroes of the New Zealand Army in tho early days of the Gallipoli campaign, and i;i that time there grew up between (he two brunches of the service a spirit of comradeship that will never die. The men or the fioyal •Navy sympathise with those in New Zealand who have lost loved ones during the war. There are words which have appealed to me as the -best that can bo used in such circumstances, and they are: 'The glory does not die; the grief is past.' " ('Prolonged appknse.) The reception closed with the National Anthem ami cheers for the Admiral.

THE NEW ZEALAND INSPECTED INVADED JjY THOUSANDS. Better means will lmvo to be taken in tho future to control the crowds who wish to inspect tho cruiser as she lies at; the outer berth of the Queen's Wharf. At. 2 p.m. yesterday thcro must hava been -WOO or 5000 people waiting outside the barrier to go through, and so on to the warship. Somewhat indiscreetly the main double gates in the centre of the wharf were labelled "Out." whilst a small 3ft. gate admitting to the foutborn arm of the wharf was marked "In." Consequently, when the small gate was opened at 2.13 p.m., the scene wn.s a rather painful ono, and Captain HaleMunro (wharfinger) had from tho top of the barrier to appeal to the crowd not to push forward, or the children, of whom there lyere a great manv, would bo injured. Tho crowd could only dribble slowly through such a small gate. After fifteen minutes or so the gate was shut, owing to another crowd having formed inside at the entrance gangway. Laler, it; was decided to close the main gates of tho wharf in order to prevent a repetition of tho unedifying scene witnessed at; the barrier. Thousands were admitted to the ship in batches, and had an interesting hour on board, made so by tho courtesy and geniality of the ship's company.

WHAT THE MEN THOUGHT OP THE RECEPTION. Although there was nothing in the way of a harbour demonstration, to welcome H.M.S. Now Zealand, eomo compensation was made bv the magnificent eloventhhour effort made by the schoolmasters and their charges. The idea of giving the harbour a fringe of happy children with flags to lvavo was an inspiration, and it worked like a charm. A'Dominion reporter spoke to a group of sailors about it. and asked them if they saw tho children. "Did we seem them? t should think we did. I ne.ver saw anything so pretty in mo natural. Mado me think of the kids at Home. ■ It was great!"

"We couldn't make it out at first," said another, "when we 6aw tho wall a sort of alive. Then wo see it was kids—well. I'm hard, I know, but 1 got a lump in me throat, I couldn't, swallow. We could hear 'em cheerin', too—like a wireless note."

An officer said it was a kind of reception that had pleased them all tremendously. They had encountered nothing of the kind' anywhere on the present tour.

GENERAL NOTES BATTLE HONOURS. Little is changed in the cruiser since her visit to Wellington in 1918. AVhat to most people is most? significant is the chronicling of her ba'.tle honours in clear-cut letters ot' brass on the main deck. Above the arms of Mew Zealand. admirably carved in wood, appear the words: "Jutland, May, 1916," to the right is: ''"Dogger Bank, January, 1915," and to the left: "Heligoland, August, 1914/' In such simple manner js a story of great deeds told. Below the coat-of-arms mentioned is a massive piece of armour plate, pretty nearly round in shape, and about 3ft. in diameter, which was scooped out .of the shield ot' X timet by a German 11-inch shell in the Battle of Jutland. Her great 14.4 and 12-inch guns of her four turrets look us formidable as over.

It is not generally known that during tho latter part of the war the New Zealand carried two seaplanes for observation purposes, launched from beam turrets.

CIVIC LUNCHEON. Lord Jellicoe has accopted the invitation of the Mayor and City Council to attend a civic luncheon in his honour, to be given at the Grand Hotel at 1 p.m. tomorrow.

TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. A large .detachment of petty officers and men of Ii.M.S. New Jieaiand will be entertained at luncheon at tho Tuwn Ilall at noon to-day. Another lot will besimilaily entertained to-morrov. During the slack hours of the miming and afternoon special observation tramcars will bt placed at tho disposal of the .men for sight-seeing purposes.

At 1 p.m. Lord Jellicoe will be entertained at luncheon at Bellamy's by tlie members of the Ministry, and ju the evening he will be present at tho dance in Government House.

During tho visit, of the New Zealand to the city, the facilities of the Y.M.C.A., Willis Street, will bo freely placed at the disposal of the chip's company. Special attractions have l.een added for the occasion, including sleeping accommodation for men on shore leavo.

Tho boarders of Scots College assembled on tho hill at the back of the college grounds at ti.3o a.m., and were tho ii'mt to .welcome H.M.S. New Zealand. A huge bonfiro was est going as soon as the battleship came into view, and as sho passed inside tho Heads the boys gave tlio ship a rousing welecmm amid bugles playing, drums sounding, and vociferous cheering. The signallers of tho college semaphored such messages as 'I.Scots College welcomes you back," "Hurrah for Jellicoe," etc., and tho ship's heliograph acknowledged these ami continued to flash back responses until she disappeared from view within tho inner harbour. The boys later, assembled at tho usual hour, when the principal emphasised tho signiliciinco of the visit of tho great battleship. Fa.vourito naval songs and tho National Anthem wero sung by tho boys, who were then dismissed for tho day.

Tn connection with the visit of young oliildreu to tlio battleship Now Zealand, tho Mayor states that it is desirable for thbir own safety that children under ten years of ago bo not permitted to go 011 board unless in cliargo of an adult,

An invitation lias been extended to Admiral .lellicoe to attend the League football match to bo played on Saturday between New Zealand uud Australia. Members ot the Cabinet have also Ixun invited to be present.