H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 540, 8 February 1913, Page 5

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND.

KING GEORGE'S INSPECTION. LINKING UP THE EMPIRE. . A GREAT DEFENSIVE LEAGUE. London, Thursday. His Majesty the King wan accompanied on his visit of inspection to H.M.s. New Zealand to-day by Hon. Jas. Allen, Hon. T. Mackonzir>, Sir Joseph Ward, Mr Winston Churchill, Mr L. V. Harcourt, Dr Macnamara, Admiral Jellicoe, Prince Louis of Battenberg, and others. They wore received by Admirals Meux and Ileal,h. The King devoted over an hour to a general tour, and was particularly interested in the barbette where the crew operated the 3 2in guns, also in the gyroscope compaßß. He was greatly amused at the decorations of the gunroom, somewhat resembling a lady's boudoir. Before leaving, His Majesty was photographed amidst the New Zealand's officers. He expressed to Captain Halsey his gratification at the appearance of the ship, and wished him and his officers an enjoyable voyage. The New Zealand born officers and men aboard were presented to the King. The Graphic says that the New Zealand's proper place was a unit in tue Pacific fleet, not Btanding in lieu o:f a ship which ought to bo built by the Home Government.

Referring to the King's inspection the Pall Mall Gazette says: "What an occasion! Monarch, captain, midshipmen, bluejackets and marines aboard a freewill offering of the moat distant Dominion as a sign and symbol of a tether stronger than death, binding the distant lands of tho British Commonwealth. The New Zealand goes to greet South Africans, Australians, and Canadians in the name of their New Zealand brethren." All the newspapers are giving prominence to the King's visit co the vessel, and are marking the occasion by anumber of long leaders. The Daily Mail says: "The visit has a deep, historic significance. Tho vessel is a living proof that we have great allies in our kindred overseas. New Zealand's example is bearing splendid fruit, but the generosity of the overseas dominions must in no wise diminish the need for British exertion. If only Jive battleships are to be added in 1913 they will not maintain the 60 percent, margin." The Morning Post says: "New Zealand haß Ret a movement in train that bids fair to culminate in the organisation of a great defensive league between the self-governing States of the Empire. The growth of nationality will give the sentiment of loyalty to the Empire more vigour and more purpose, and experience will show the best machniery to provide united action." The Daily Express says thai the King's visit puts tho seal on a development which has completely changed British sea power.

OFFER TO DELAY SHIP. NO NECESSITY. London, Friday. With Mr Massev's concurrence, Mr Allen offered the Admiralty to postpone the New Zealand's visit if the time was unsuitable. Mr L. V. Harcuurt, Secretary of State for the Colonies, replied, thanking Mr Allen for the offer, but. plating that there wore no strategical or political necessities to prevent the ship carrying out her world's tour. While on his tour of inspection the King was introduced to the ship's mascot, a bull pup named Peloruß Jack. The Navy League entertained Sir Joseph Ward at luncheon. Sir Joseph, in responding to the toaßt of his health, said that he looked forward to the time when the Imperial lice* would be bo effective that other nations would hesitate to try conclusions with it. Mr Allen paid a tribute to Australia's great sacrifice. They spent four and a half millions in one year on behalf of four and a half millions of people. 10-day Mr Allen attended a meeting of the Defence Council, H.M.s. New Zealand sailed from Portsmouth to-day for Now Zealand, via South Africa. RESENTMENT IN AUSTRALIA. WHO WAS THE FIRST? Melbourne, Friday. There is some feeling of resentment in official quarters at so much comment having arisen over the inspection of H.M.s. New Zealand, an:i references in the Engilsh press to this being the first start by the overseas Dominions to build their own fleet unita. It is questioned hero whether the decision of. New Zealand to build battleship was really the fir fl; - f ' " 111 that direction in Australasia. it is suggested, rather, that Australia Bhould be given credit for having led the colonies in that I-nporial movement. It is remarked among defence authorities that H.M.s. Melbourne I left Britain only the other day fully j manned with an Australian I with no such demonstration over her i departure as was made in connection with the inspection of the New Zea- [ land, nor was there a similar celebration when either of the Australian dei stroyers left England. The inference i drawn there is that the ofliciala of ! Australia are not so well learned in the art of advertising as are those of the sister colony.