BATTLESHIP NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8346, 5 February 1913, Page 8

BATTLESHIP NEW ZEALAND

INSPECTED BY THREE HUNDRED NEW ZEALANDERS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, February 3. Three hundred New Zealanders inspected tho battleship New Zealand at Portsmouth. Sir George Reid, High Commissioner for Australia, was absent owing to influenza. Among those present were Mr .1. Cathcart Mason, M-l_. (formerly of Now Zealand), and Admiral Sir Wilniot Fawkes (a former Com-mander-in-Chief on tho Australian station). . _ .Miss Mackenzie, daughter of tho Hon. Thomas Mackenzie (High Commissioner for New Zealand) unveiled a coat-of-arms which supported a tablet inscribed “Tasman, 1549; Cook, 1769.” Tho Hon. Thomas Mackenzie said he was proud New Zealand had led the way in regard to gift battleships. Ho referred to the Australian and Canadian assistance to the Empire, and said he hoped South Africa would soon follow tho example of those countries. Now Zealand was anxious that the Empire’s Navy should bo equal to any challenge; she wanted Britain to feel that she was with her to tho extent of her ability. Captain Halsey, commanding the Now Zealand, in accepting the coat-of-arms and tablet, congratulated New Zealand on being the first to give the Empire a ship. He trusted if ever the battleship was called on to perform tho duty for which she had been built that the' crew' would maintain the honour placed in its hands. The Hon. James Allen. New Zealand Defence Minister, said Now Zealand would cheerfully give further help. She meant to see the Pacific safe. He hoped other countries there would combine to make it so. New Zealand would not be satisfied until she was able to provide men as well as money and ships. Sir Richard Solomons. High Commissioner for South Africa, congratulated New Zealand on her practical loyalty. A visit of tho battleship to Table Bay would help South Africa’s growing feeling in the direction of cooperation. A silver cup for boat crew competitions and a portrait of the late Mr R. J. Seddon were presented to the ship on Mrs Seddon’s behalf. ' (Received February 5, 0.45 a-m.) LONDON, February 4. Tho “ Daily Telegraph ” says that the battleshjo New Zealand represents a cash contribution of 40s a head for every New Zealander. The fact is an exaijvple and an inspiration to the people of every nation under the British flag. COCKATOO ISLAND DOCKYARD. DISMISSALS REDUCED TO MINIMUM. SYDNEY. February 4. With reference to the statement that two hundred and fifty men were dismissed at a minute’s notice from tho Government dockyard- at Cockatoo Island, which the Commonwealth Government has taken over, and that the men would shortly be re-employed at the new works to be established at Newcastle by the New South Wales Government, it is now announced that Mr Griffith, Minister for Public Works, has countermanded the orders for sending a quantity of work to Newcastle, thus reducing the dismissals to a minimum. ADMIRAL OF FLEET. SIB WILLIAM HENRY MAY. (Received February 4, 9.55 p.m.) LONDON, February 4. Vice-Admiral Sir William May has been promoted to be Admiral of the Fleet. He had been Commander-In-Chief at Plymouth since 1911.