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Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1929, Page 8

POSSIBLE WORLD CRUISE. Rumours continue to arise as to the .probability of another world cruise by a special service squadron of the Royal Ndvy (says the “Melbourne. Age”). It was in 1923 that the last “show-the-flag” cruise began, under Admiral Sir Frederick Field. In the event of the Admiralty deciding upon another cruise it is likely that among the ships selected will be the Nelson and the Rodney, sister ships, which, if not the largest, are possibly the most effective ships of war afloat. The hitting power of the 16 inch guns of these vesels is staggering, and a single well-placed broadside from either ship would blow a vessel of the size of the Victory, Nelson's flagship, out of the water. The new lu,ooo-ton cruiser Devonshire, which was launched in May last, would also probably join the squadron. A world cruise on these lines would undoubtedly prove popular all over the Empire and if previous experience is any guide, would prove a stimulus to trade. At the time, however, the political situation in Britain seems to throw a doubt on the project. The MacDonald Government, with its pacifist policy, is not likely to support the suggestion very readily. Nothing is known officially of the possibility of such a cruise, but it is thought there is a distinct likelihood of the cruise taking place.