H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 22, 30 May 1913, Page 6

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND.

DISAPPOINTMENT IN TIMARU

[Per Press Association.] t Timaru, May 29

I A very fine morning induced large numbers of country people to visit Timaru to-day to inspect the battleship, four special trains from Orari, I Fairlie, and Waimate (2), bringing big loads. Unfortunately a heavy squali • in the roadstead where the New Zealand was anchored, about 2 miles out. was too big to allow the Government steamers or anything else except small launches, to lie alongside. Consequent- ! ly the school children could not be put aboard. They were, however, taken in parties round the ship, and given a good, close view of her. Elaborate preparations had been made for luncheons to the officers and men, and a big procession and nava men's sports in connection with the presentation of a silk ensign, 24ft. bj 12ft., and a Union Jack to match, from the women's branch of the Navj League. To everyone's disappointment a strong southerly breeze continued throughout the afternoon, making s choppy sea on top of a swell Consequently Captain Halsey deemed Sri prudent to remain on the ship. Genera! Godley had come down with him froir Akaroa, and intended to land her and go north by the first express. At Captain Halsey's request he cancelled hi? engagements and attended the lunch and received the flags on his behalf, and the programme generally was adhered to, 1 except the sports: OAMARU LEFT LAMENTING. ! Oamaru, May 30. Although fine otherwise, a strong westerly and a driven sea prevented the New Zealand from anchoring. It look as if to-day's arrangements will be cancelled. The vessel is just discernable away on the horizon. About ten o'clock the Mayor received a wireless from the Bluff: "Sea too rough, but would hang round fo: a while." Some time afterwards the warship disappeared, and it is surmised that Captain Halsey has abandoned the : Oamaru trip. There is keen disappointment on the part of the young people during ,the afternoon: as Captain Halsey Was to unveil the memorial tablet to the f Ahtarctio heroes at the Waitaki High School.