NELSON DAY

Hokitika Guardian, 21 October 1932, Page 2

NELSON DAY

THE ANNIVERSARY OF TRAFALGAR, CELEBRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE EMPIRE. Nelson Bay is being celebrated throughout tfie British Empire to-day, when the inspiring message to the fleet as it went into action will be flown. The great sea figiht which shattered the naval power of France and Spain, was fought 127 years ago. BELOVED OF HIS COUNTRYMENIn : a noteworthy passage in Ins “Life of Nelson,” Southey describes the. hero’s departure from Portsmouth on what proved to be his last passage: “Early on the following morning he reached Pottsmouth; and, having dishis business on shore, endeavoured to elude the populace, by taking a by-way to the beach ; but a crowd collected in hs train, pressing forward, to obtain sight of his face : many were in tears, and many knelt down before him. and blessed him as he passed. England fctis had many heroes; but never one who entirely possessed the love of his feilow-couiitrymen as Nelson. All men knew that his heart was as humaiie As it w&s fearless ; that there WaS not lii his nature the slightest alloy of selfishness Or cupidity;' but, that with perfect and entile devotion, he sewed his country with nl im heart, and with nil his soul, and with all his strength; and, therefore, they loved him as truly and fervently as he loved England. . . The people • would not be debarred from gazing, till the last moment, upon the hero—the darling hero of England!”

COLLINGWOOD’S DISPATCH. “The ever-to-be lamented death of Vice-Admiral, Lord Viscount N el son, who in- the late, conflict with the enemy fell in the hour of victory,” was how Vice-Admiral ColPngwood started his dispatch to the Admiralty, written the day after the battle of Trafalgar, giving the details of the ■ “complete and glorious victory.” Witih swift, graphic phrases Col mgwood summarised the battle in these W °“Thi action began at twelve o’clock by the leading ships of the column breaking through the enemy’s lme the Cormnander-in-Ohief about the tenth B hip from the van, the Second jn Co mand about the twelfth from the rear, leaving the van of the enemy unoccupied: the succeeding ships breaking through in all parts, astern of them leaders and engaging the enemy at the muzzles of their guns. The conflict wa severe; thfe enemy’s ships fought wit a gallantry highly honourable to ther officers ; -but the attack on them was irresistible, -and it pleased the AI mighty Disposer of all.events to gi his Majesty’s arms a glorious victory. 'About three p.m. roany of the enemy’s having etruck their colours, their line gave way."