Page 1 Advertisements Column 5

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1917, Page 1

BRITAIN’S SEA POWER, GREATEST FLEET IN HISTORY. BUILT SINCE WAR BEGAN. Loxnox, Sept, i In the Scottish mists and sunshine the most remarkable happenings of the war is daily reproduced. The first sight of the Grand Fleet is always unimpressive. The whole great machine could be tucked awav in a corner ol Sydney harbour (says the “Svdney- Sun’s” special correspondent alter a visit to the fleet). . The vast ships lie always in squadron formation, line upon line, semi-submerged floating lorts, little showing above water except the deckline, the conning-towers and black impenetrable gun-tur-rets, with the tilted noses ot the guns. Jauntily challenging, pinnaces and motor boats cut through the water; lines ol submarines of new and extraordinarily large and powerful nature, and wasp-like destroyers and scout-leaders are in the great picture of Britain’s might upon the seas. It requires the movement of super-Dreaduoughts as I saw them in battle formation to-day to bring out the true majesty and phenomenal power of this collection of sea mechanism. As the battleship sped past, in and out, manoeuvring at will at tremendous speed, the impression became one of awful overpowering strength. And everything here has been made in seven years. If one drew a harder line one could say that the greatest fleet in history has been created in less than a decade. Even the immense base has been made during the war. Many of the most important units were not planned before iprq. From the super-Dread-noughts and famous large “ scouting” Dreadnoughts, to the destroyers, they are all the creation of the nation at war. Their immense and unanswerable challenge to Germany wins confidence by a mere sight of their strength.

I have visited various types of ships, and have learnt much that would .startle Australia. New aggressive and protective devices have redoubled the of Australasia's shield, ft has been a most monotonous game for officers and men. They dare not leave the Fleet lest they miss another Jutland. They go ashore occasionally to football or golf or tennis. Every wardroom now has its billiard-table. They hold regattas, in which the Australia’s crew won its squadron championship by half a mile in a two-mile course, and promises to win the Fleet championship. But the life on the whole is a ceaseless round of hard and monotonous duty, relieved only by the hope that the Germans will again emerge. The spirit of the Fleet is one oi constant prayer that the Germans will leave their ports, but while they pray they work at they gunnery. Aboard the New Zealand and Australia I found good health and cheerfulness prevailing amongst the Australians, who, on the latter vessel, numbered Co per cent of the ship’s company. They long lor home, but intend to see the job done. They found the first winter trying. Twelve died from the cold. The next winter was better, and the coining winter is not feared. The men are well, prepared. They say laughingly that the ship is *■ .still with warm clothing. They want only letters from home, ■ being wellsupplied with newspapers, food and money. The Australia still shares with the New Zealand the best steaming and coaling records in the Fleet. This is due to the physique and zeal of the stokers. I visited all the ships on which the twenty-three Australian midshipmen are distributed, All are well and happy, with a great reputation for boxing and studiousness. Senior Australian seamen gave me the message home:—“Never doubt the Australia’s and the Grand hleets intentions and capacity.” At the same time, few oi the men wish to extend their sea service, and most are anxious to find laud employment. It is impossible the details at present oi the Grand Fleet’s recent remarkable work in the Noi tli Sea, but its open-sea vigil has not been unproductive. The Australia retains the pride of place in the Fleet in port and nearest the enemy.

Spring is lie tv, therefore Schroder and Co. are making a special display of curtains in all the newest fabrics., viz: voiles, colored madras, cloister cloth, also a splendid range of Chinese matting, and squares at a vei'v moderate price. Inspection is invited. No one asked to liny.—Advt. “That coin is well spent which saves yon tend’ —Proverb. \ oil will save much expense and annoyance by preventing a cough or cold with phe timely aid oMlaxter’s Lung Preserver. A big 1,0,1ie of this famous preparation costs only Is lOd. An occasional dose will vitalize your system, and ward off colds and bronchial affections. Keep a bottle handy during the present, changeable weather. Ts.txtel’s Lung Preserver is unique ill its healing and soothingqualities—gives im media to relief in cases of sore thronfc, tickling cough, bronchitis etc. Pleasant to take, good for young and old. Keep the old Flags flying. Trade imperially by always riding the British made Clincher Cross Tyres and A-W on Motor Cycle Tyres made for rough use on hard roads by the NORTH BRITISH RUBBER COY., wholesale HAYWARD BROS. LTD.