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Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1929, Page 4

A siijigostoil visit from a Hritisli naval foi'co would lie soinolliing of a nnvoHv fur Hokitika. nml tlio oooasinn would oxoito voit gonoral inlorsl. However.

the loyalty which permeates this community will in itself lie motive enough to arouse particular enthusiasm, and ensure the representatives of the British Navy to which New Zealand owes so much being accorded a very titling welcome. Assuming that the visit will lie arranged, and in regard to which it is pleasing to note that the Greymoulh Harbour Board is prepared to provide transport fncilitos by train, Hie iownspeople on their part, will, we are sure, rise to the occasion and do every-' '-lung necessary to mark so memorable n event with all lumor. The British \avy must ever lie outstanding in the I'hr.pirc’s thoughts for every part ol ike Hmpiro stands indebted to the naval forces for the national security enjoyed. The Navy police tl|e seven

seas, and maintain the highways of the ocean safe for the passage of our ship and freight. There is a great' national debt due to the British Navy for its inestimable served. That was brought me to the nation surely in the period of the (treat War when the Navy per,'orin.ed suucrlative service not only for

,e Empire, hut also for the Allies, aiui in the end had the supreme satisfaction of piloting the enemy’s surrender'd ships to Scarpa Flow. That is all i very great story—the greatest in ad naval hist tv —and requires to he mentioned only to recall the superiority ol tne British Navy. The Navy is made op of units, and the history of the British Empire on the sea is replete wiioi story anon story of the bravery ind resource of the British sailor in •i > possible and impossible eircum••.tnnccs. Great adventures are what t.’*e Jack Tar revels in, and wonderful indeed were many of the feats performed down the years by the British Navy. Our visitors to be are part

•nd parcel of that great Navy. Many of them doubtless were in tlie tight places the British ships sought in the Great War. and could rc-oimt stories of great inters!,. It is to lie hoped the future of the British Navy will i *w be cast in more peaceful times. A

all events their mission here will to entirely peaceful and the happiest relations should exist because of the bond which binds all parts of the Empire to the first line of its defence. It will be •t privilege to welcome the naval visitors and show in some small way that appreciation which is deep set .a our hearts for those who in any anil all emergency stand between us ■Mid the danger points. All honour then to the British Juck Jar!