THE DREADNOUGHT GIFT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 84, 4 December 1912, Page 5

THE DREADNOUGHT GIFT.

THE FEELING AT HOME,

“The giving of the Dreadnought was the finest advertisement New Zealand has ever had,” declared Mr Chas. Aider, who has returned to New Plymouth from a trip to the Old Country. He explained that on arrival in England he was struck by the alacrity and willingness of the porters handling Ids party’s luggage, whilst others experienced not ' a little difficulty with theirs. He commented on the fact to the porters subsequently. “You come from New Zealand,” they replied; “that makes all the difference. Did not New Zealand come to the fore with a Dreadnought when the people of the country were hesitating about the future of our navy and wanted a lead? We cannot do too much for any people that come from New Zealand.” Mr Alder went to the Greenwich Hospital to see the national relics there. Ho was asked by the porter at the door for Ids admittance ticket. Mr Airier had not provided himself with one. The porter was adamant; no visitors were allowed who had not a ticket. “Well, well,” exclaimed Mr Airier; “to think that we have come all' the way from New Zealand to sec this plape and are then blocked!” “New Zealand?” said the porter; “you come from New Zealand? Then just walk inside,” and inside they went. Mr A bier had a chat with the porter subsequently, and remarked that no New Zealander required a ticket to any institution in Greenwich. “Did not New Zealand give us a Dreadnought?” he asked. Again when at Smithficld, he happened to mention to a trader where he came from. “Pm glad to meet you, or any New Zealander. There’s no sentiment in business, hut I must say that after what New Zealand did in going to the assistance of the Empire in tire South African war and giving the Dreadnought, I never miss a chance of pushing New Zealand’s interests for all I’m worth. It is a patriotic and great little country. You must have some fine statesmen there. Yes, sir, I’m right glad to meet you.” And the Smithfield merchant could not do enough for him. All over "Britain it was the same. Everyone knew New Zealand as the country that gave the Dreadnought and promised another if it were required, and could not refrain from expressing the gratitude they undoubtedly felt.—News.