“WE LED THE WAY.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 30, 4 February 1913, Page 5

“WE LED THE WAY.”

BATTLESHIP NEW ZEALAND INSPECTED. CONGRATULATIONS ALL ROUND. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.); • United Press Association.) (Received 10.50 a.m.) London, February 3. Three hundred New Zealanders inspected the battleship New Zealand, i Sir George Reid was absent through | influenza. Mr Cathcart Wason, M.P.,| was on the vessel and Admiral Fawkes was also present. Miss Mackenzie unveiled the coat of arms which supported a tablet inscribed: “Tasmon 1642, Cook 1769.” The Hon. Mr Mackenzie said he was proud New Zealand led the way. He referred to Australian and Canadian assistance to the Empire and hoped South Africa would soon follow. Now Zealand was anxious that the Empire’s Navy should be equal to any challenge, and wanted Britain to feel she was with her in ability. Admiral Halsey, accepting the gift, congratulated New Zealand on being the first to give the Empire a ship. He trusted that if ever they were called on to perform the duty for which the vessel was built, the crew would maintain the honour placed in their hands. The Hon. Jas. Allen said New Zealand would cheerfully give further! help, and they meant to see the Paci-j fic safe. He hoped other countries; there would combine to make it so. New Zealand would not he satisfied until she was able to provide men as well as money and ships. Mr Solomons, High Commissioner for South Africa, congratulated New Zealand' on -its practical loyalty. The visit of the vessel to Table Bay would help South Africa’s growing feeling towards co-operation. A silver cup for the boat-crew competition and a portrait of the late Mr Seddon were presented on behalf of Mrs Seddon.