GATHERING OF NEW ZEALANDERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8347, 6 February 1913, Page 7

GATHERING OF NEW ZEALANDERS

SPEECHES BY HIGH COMMISSIONER AND DEFENCE MINISTER. LONDON, February 4, Speaking at the gathering of New Zealanders to inspect the battleship New Zealand at Portsmouth, the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie, New Zealand's High Commissioner, 6aid that he was proud that he had been a member of Sir Joseph Ward's Government. The coat-of-arms might bo taken to typify Drake's revenge, Anson's Centurion, and Halsey's New Zealand. Whereas the "former were buccaneers, Captain Halsey's mission would be one of peace and goodwill. They were proud New Zealand was the first to make a definite offer. Australia quickly followed, then Canada and Malay. He was sure that South Africa, India, and other British oversea dependencies would dp their part. The New Zealand's voyage, he said, would be a great as it showed that England, by trusting the overseas Dominions by giving them the power of self-government and the privilege of working out their own_ destinies, received the overseas Dominions' spontaneous support; whereas when it attempted to force the_ United States to contribute to its defence it lost its possession of that country. The voyage was also an indication to Britain's envious rivals that the Mother Country would not be threatened or menaced without them having to reckon with her daughter States; for the words "hands off" would come from the cannon's mouth. On behalf of Britain's daughters New Zealand typified the power of the Empire over the sea. New Zealand and the other Dominions were exceedingly anxious that the Navy of the Empire should be equal to any challenge. They realised that in past times the dependencies were constantly exchanged to meet the exigencies of war settlement, but they did not now wish to become pawns on the chess board. • The Hon. James Allen said that if l he Mother Country needed more assistance New Zealand would give it. She Tas determined to keep the flag flyinp in the seas the world over. They were mxious that the Pacific should be as afe as the Atlantic and the North Sea. Ho hoped the colonies in the Pacific vould put their heads together and entire that safety. New Zealand would iot be satisfied until there were more and more New Zealand bluejackets. He considered it an insufficient sacrifice to give material only to he Empire's needs. They must also the men, who would be forthcoming when they could afford it. THE CRUISER PSYCHE. (Received February 5, 9.25 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 5. The cruiser Psyche, which was recent-

ly docked and overhauled, has been, recalled from Hobart. It is stated that she sprang a leak and needs docking again. Tho Cambrian is conveying her.