Hokitika Guardian & Evening star FRIDAY. JAN. 26, 1917 THE NAVAL BULWARK

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening star FRIDAY. JAN. 26, 1917 THE NAVAL BULWARK

The sure defence of Britain, secured by ita glorious Navy, has been demonstrated once again. It is a mighty engine, but it works silently. How effectively is shown from time to time when the few opportunities offer. In the laleat instance, the Navy was at hand, and its surprise attack discloses perfect scouting and wonderful seamanship. The episode ip in keeping with the Navy's work throughout the war—everything is thoroughly well done. The latest brush has brought to light some of the conditions under which the Navy ie performing its tremendoas task. The ocean is wide, yet over the vast waters a close watch is kept. In the murky darkness the enemy put to see not knowing a British flotilla was patrolling the offing. The weather conditions were of the most extreme* kind. There was an Arctic cold, the intensity of which may be judged from the gruesome details supplied. It is in these trying conditions that the men are at their posts, and carryingthrough their duties to perfection. The shooting must have been wonderful for the full German flotilla seems, to have been accounted for. The Dogger Bank incident is recalled,. That was a fight on January 24, 1915,, when a German raiding squadron: tried to repeat the Scarborough raid of the month previous, Admiral Beatty sighted the raiders who at once bolted homewards at high speed. The British went in pursuit, and sank the rear ship, the Bleucher Other German boats were damaged.. The British flagship, the Lion, was struck by a chance shot, and was towed home, the delay in the Admiral transferring his flig being a lucky respite for the fleeing enemy. In the latest fight there appears to have been very little chanoe of the Germans running away. They were surrounded to begin with, and the completeness pf the surprise is demonstrated by the fact that it Jwas the* firing from the British whioh disclosed to the enemy their plight. Thefight was evidently short and sharp, and was quite to the taste of the British. Given the opportunity there is no fear of ti e Navy being found wanting at stage of the war. That has been demonstrated over and over again. What the Navy has done for the Empire and the Allied cause

throughout this great wat is a tremendous service. The folk have not measured it y6t. When the time for thankagiviug come?, praue of. the highest must be given to the British Nivy which has been a huge protecting shield iu all fortunes, and which has made possible the victory that is to come. This giant eervioe has been tendered by a constant attention to duties in all seas, in all climes, and in all weathers. It would appear that the Navy never elambera for be the intrigues of the enemy what they may, every artifice is soon countered by the watch dogs of the ocean highways. They meet every emergency with surprising resource, and there are indications that they are again overtaking the submarine menace. They are indeed a wonderful bulwark of the highest value, and have been signally successful throughout the war. Their motto, “ready, aye ready” has never been belied.