THE NAVAL FIGHT.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 135, 10 June 1916, Page 3

THE NAVAL FIGHT.

A GLORIOUS PERFORMANCE. CRUISER REARS CHARMED LIFE. ONLY TjWO SAILORS INJURED. A GRAPHIC NARRATIVE. LONDON. June S. The “Scotsman” publishes a special narrative of the New Zealand’s share in one of the greatest sea fights in history. The New Zealand flew Admiral Parkenham’s flag in the absence of the Australia. The New Zealand thus in a double sense represented the patriotism of the overseas Dominions. It is noteworthy that when she fought at the Dogger Bank she also carried the admiral's flag. Admiral Moore being second in command. The New Zealand sailed to Jutland flying the White Ensign and Union Jack presented by the New Zealand women. The Maori emblem was on the forward turret. This was practically unscathed in the action, though the New Zealand herself has plenty of marks of the action. The entire crew were itching fer a scrap. The New Zealanders in the stokehold worked like Trojans to get every ounce and more ont cf the ship. She was not expected to produce capacity equal to her battle companions, but sh e surprised her officers with her speed. She broke her Dogger Bank records, and had no difficulty in holdinv her place in the line: in fact it v.-oc; a splendid compliment to fiie gallant fellows below that when the conflict commenced the New Zealand enesged the enemy at a range of ten miles a few minutes after the opening. Deadly work and heavy damage were done by the guns of both sides. The sinking of the Indefatigable left ‘■he New the rearmost ship of tbp line. The disappearance of the Queen Mary made the New Zealand's nesitou one of danger as well as of brnrur. Tn arranging the battle un‘dticn with coming reinforcements the New Zealand held the place near"F the enemy. There was a particularly hot spell at this time. The fir-

of the Germans was concentrated and intense, and the particular turning movements then being carried out let the New Zealand with a windy orrner. The fall of projectiles was fast a»d furious. It was an anxious moment fer the daring cruiser, but this was delaved by the welcome view of ships behind racing to the fray. The tornado of shell churned the sea and pattered on the New Zealand’s side like hail, but she played her part right well. She seemed to have almost a charmed life. Her escapes were numerous and narrow. While the damage was very slight the casualties were negligible. Only two sailors were wounded. Hcreover, the ship gave a great deal more than she received. The fire of the German unit engaging her lost both in rapidity and accuracy after ten minutes’ firing. The slackening fire told its own tale despite the fact that the light was all in favour of the enemy. 'Wheresa the conditions were exceedingly difficult for the British, they were nigh perfect

for the Germans. There, is an immov-

able conviction amongst the New Zealand crew that the Germans were the beaten side. Their daylight torpedo attack was an absolute failure, being frustrated in the cleverest fashion. Our light cruiser s rushed in at the right moment and easily countered. The attack was so smartly executed that it might have been manoeuvres. Germany’s refusal to fight it out deprived us of the fruits of victory, but the New Zealand’s men look forward to another chance, when they will add further glory to their record, cf which they and the people of New Zealand may be justly proud.