THE STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 33, 2 May 1927, Page 13

THE STRAND

BRITAIN’S SEA HERO It is well for us all if we recall Nelson to our minds and to the minds of others at this time. It is still better if we never forget him, for he is the most shining example of patriotism in our history as well as the most perfect embodiment of duty that the chroniclers have given us. Patriotism cannot be: dismissed as purely a sentiment, it iis equally with duty a virtue and also a commercial asset, for it is the spirit which binds the Empire together and makes it strong enough to keep its place in the world. It should be born in the home, thrive in the State, and reach its final growth in the Empire. In addition to Lord Nelson’s work for the Empire, was the spirit he left in the Royal Navy, and it is to this spirit and his teachings of comradeship that we largely owe our success in the Great War that has just been concluded. “For Nelson’s spirit still survives As it was in Nelson’s day. He nothing wins who nothing dares To the ocean law alway.” Ii che film will be depicted the story of v ur greatest seaman and patriot, who gave his whole life to the service of his King and country, and finally had the crown of immortality placed on his head by the hand of death at the moment of his greatest victory. To few men is it given the privilege of completing their life’s work at the moment of their death, and to none so markedly as in the cast of Lord Nelson. Indeed so finished was his task and so undoubted was its completeness that the whole world witnessed ungrudgingly to the truth of his last immortal words: “Thank God I have done my duty.”