H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 47, 24 February 1913, Page 2

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND.

VISIT TO THE DOMINION. Writing on January 11th, the London correspondent of tire New Zealand Herald, states that the programme of H.M..S New Zealand while in New Zealand waters will probably be left largely to the discretion of the Government of the Dominion, since any hard and fast itinerary drawn up at this end might easily clash in important particulars with necessary local celebrations. All that can be ; said on this point, therefore, is that the battle cruiser will be at the disposal of the Dominion for two or three months, and that it is the intention of the Admiralty that she should be shown in New Zealand waters whenever it is desired, so long as no risk to such a valuable vessel is incurred. On this iatter point, of course, Captain Halsey will be the ultimate judge, since iie is primarily responsible for the safety and careful navigation of the battleship. The ship’s company of the New Zealand is gradually being filled up. Evjry day appointments are notified, and to-day’s list contains several interesting names. Prince George of Battenberg, the eldest son of the First Sea Lord (Admiral Prince Louis of Battcriberg), who is 20 years of age, will go as sub-lieutenant, if he completes his examinations in time. Sixteen midshipmen have been named, including Lord Burghersh, who is 19 years of age, and is heir to the Earl of Westmorland; ami the young Lord Carlisle, who has unexpectedly succeeded to the earldom at the age' of 17 by the deaths, in quick succession, of his father (Lord Morpeth) and his grandfather. The other midshipmen arc: G. T. A. Scott, T. A. W. Robertson, J. C. Anneslcy, O. J. L. Symon, A. L. Poland, C. S. Miller, E. G. B. Cooper, C. F, B. Bowl by, C. B. G. Watson, A. H. C. Barlow, IA. G. Canard, P. B. V. Heard, H. B. Anderson, and C. G. Vyner. Lieutenant North, who will also be a member of the staff, is qualified as an interpreter in German, which may be useful in some of the way-calls of the battleship. The coat of arms of the New Zealand will bo carved in oak and coloured, ami will bo affixed on the quarter-deck of the vessel. It is expected to cost about £7O.