ARRIVED AT LAST.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 81, 12 April 1913, Page 5

ARRIVED AT LAST.

H.M.G. NEW ZEALAND.

AT WELLINGTON HEADS. [Per Press Association.] Wellington, April 12. The New Zealand will be at the Heads at 1.15 p.m. The weather is overcast and windy, arid the water is very rough at present for tho small boats of a large fleet which was expected to escort tho man-o’-war up the harbour. HER ARRIVAL AT 12.30. Wellington, April 12. The New Zealand is now (12.30) oft the Heads. A GAY CITY. WEATHER CONDITIONS UNFAVOURABLE. ENTHUSIASM NOT DAMPED. Wellington, April 12. All that was wanted to make the reception to tho New Zealand a success was fine weather. For weeks past, committees have been at work with great enthusiasm making arrangements, and everything pointed to a handsome consummation, but the weather proved fickle, and the morning broke after a boisterous night with heavy grey clouds, and threatening rain, and with the surface of the harbour ruffled with white-crested waves. Enthusiasm

was in no way damped, however, for the public buildings and shipping were gaily dressed with hunting, and long before the vessel’s appointed hour of arrival people were making for the various vantage points, THE HARBOR DISPLAY. An effective harbour display was arranged, including the escort ot steamers, yachts, and launches, but the spectacle is likely to be marred, as the harbour is partly enveloped in mist. OFF TO THE HEADS. The Ministerial party left at aeon for the Heads in the I'utanekai, Hinemoa, and lAmokura, followed by the Navy League boats Duchess and Terawhiti, the former having aboard 600 children. Numerous other steamers carried full loads of spectators, and the business places closed early, and the crowds in the streets making for the various wharves indicate that despite depressing conditions, the welcome will bo a most warm and generous one, INTERCHANGE OF COURTESIES.

Wellington, April 11

His Excellency the Governor sent the following message to-day to Captain Halsey, H.M.S. New Zealand: “On behalf of my Government and the people of New Zealand I extend a cordial welcome to these islands to yourself and your officers and crew. I can assure you that all classes of the people are eagerly ’ looking forward to seeing tho ship which bears the name of : the Dominion. —Liverpool* Governor:”- j Lord Liverpool to-night received the following reply: “All on hoard desire to heartily thank you and your Government for your kind message of welcome. We are pleased to he nearing the shores of our dominion, and are proud to servo in the ship which she has so magnanimously given to defend our Empire. We are looking forward to meeting our kinsmen. —Captain Halsey.” WILL THE BATTLESHIP COME TO NEW PYLMOUTH ? In view of the uncertainty about the coming of the New Zealand to Now Plymouth, Mr H. J. Okey, M.P., has sent the following telegram to the Hon. H. D. Bell, 'the Minister who is responsible for the arrangements in connection with the visit of the battleship:—“lt is rumoured that the Railway Department are instructed to prepare special trains to convey passengers to visit the Dreadnought in Wellington. This indicates that the New Zealand will not visit New Plymouth. The Prime Minister in reply to representations all along the line promised to advise the Governor to allow a visit for at least one day. Considerable disappointment exists owing to her being detained in tho larger centres, whilst persons residing in places with historic associations such as Taranaki, are not allowed tho pleasure of seeing the ship towards which they so willingly contributed. I trust you will yet be able to comply witli our wishes.”

Mr Okey received the following reply from the Hon. H. 1). Bell : “Nothing whatever has been decided about the visit of the battleship to New Plymouth. Captain Halsey will be consulted on his arrival, and you will bo informed as soon as possible. The Government has offered no opinion, and will place your telegram and others from your district before the captain, but there is a real difficulty in tendering the battleship with any Government vessel if the sea is heavy, and her time is limited. So that she could not lie off, awaiting suitable weather. All her arrangements must bo on that basis. Please make this public.” STILL HOPE FOR NEW PLYMOUTH The secretary to the Stratford School Committee (Mr T. Harry Penn) has received word through tno stationmaster that the General [Manager of X.Z. Railways telegraphs this afternoon that no arrangement at all have been made for taking school children who reside north of Wanganui to Wellington, to see the battleship New Zealand. This almost indicates that . the veisal is to visit New Plymouth.