A PATRIOTIC GATHERING

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 32, 6 February 1913, Page 7

A PATRIOTIC GATHERING

STIRRING SPEECH BY MR MAC-

KENZIE

"READY TO GIVE MORE."

[press association.}

LONDON, Feb. 4. # Speaking during the visit of inspection to the battleship" New Zealand, the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie said that he was proud to-.have been a member ot Sir Joeeph Ward's Government. rhe_coat of arms .might be taken to typiiy Drake's Revenge, Ansbn's Centurion and Halsey's, New- Zealand. Whereas the. former were buccaneers, Captain Halsey was a man of peace and ; goodwill. They were proud that New Zealand was the ' nrst to make a definite offer. Aus-! tralia quickly .followed, then' Canada and the Malay States, and he was sure South Africa, India and the others would do their part. The New Zealand's voyage would be a ft-eat • demonstration. It showed nglahd that, by trusting the Overseas Dominions and giving them the power of self-government and the privilege of working out their own destinies, she received from the Over-1 seas Dominions spontaneous support, whereas, when she attempted to force on the United States a contribution towards defence she lost possession. -The voyage was also an indication to envious rivals that the Mother Country should not be threatened and menaced without their having to reckon with the daughter States, for the words "hands off" would come from the cannon's mouth in behalf of the daughters. The New "Zealand typified the power of the Empire on the sea. New Zealand and the others were exceedingly anxious that the Navy of the Empire should be equal to any,challenge. They did;not wish to'become pawns on the chessboard.

... Ho»- James "Allen said that if the Mother Country needed more New Zealand would give it. They were determined to keep the flag flying on the seas over the whole world, and they were anxious that the Pacific should be as safe as the Atlantic and the North Sea. He hoped that the colonies in the Pacific would put their heads together to ensure safety. New Zealand would not be satisfied until •she had more ships and more New Zealand bluejackets.- They considered it insufficient to sacrifice material only to the Empire's needs, but must also give the men, who would be forthcoming when they could afford it. fair George Reid was confined to bed with influenza and he cancelled all his engagements. As the King's visit of inspection to the battleship New Zealand on Ash v\ ■ ednesday is to be semi-private there j will be no guard of honor, and only one reporter and one photographer will be present.