N.Z'S DREADNOUGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 8, 4 July 1911, Page 5

N.Z'S DREADNOUGHT.

THE CHRISTENING CEREMONY. "EMBODIMENT OF A NEW EPOCH." j*- viable.—-Press Association.—Copyright London, July 2. Eight thousand persons witnessed the launch of the New Zealand at Fairfield Works, Glasgow. Lady Ward performed the christening ceremony. The guests included Sir Edward Morris. Premier of Newfoundland, Sir .James and Lady Mills, Mrs. and Miss Seddon. Sir Wray Palliser, Sir William and Lady Russell, and a large contingent of New Zealand visitors.

Lady Ward cut the cord, saying, '"I name you Xew Zealand/' As the vessel glided into the water she added, "Cod protect her. May she never be called upon to engage in battle, but, if otherwise, I pray that victory may be hers." Sir Joseph Ward, in a speech, sa:;i lie hoped those present would realise, as he did, that the launch was a proof that the people of Britain and overseas were one in ambition, one in sentiment, one kith and kin. The launch helped them to realise that there could be 110 division when *ie time of trial came. The people of Xew Zealand had found the money linmurmuriiigly. knowing that the defence of any part of the Old World was their defence.

Mr. Grade, representing the builders, said that the vessel was the emphatic token of Xew Zealand's loyalty and devotion. Tfe^presented Lady Ward with a cas'irr confining the axe used in severing 'the co,' 1 - Sir Ward, speaking at the reception which followed the launch, said that the overseas Dominions wished to be recognised as partners with the Motherland in the strictest sense. Although the Imperial Conference was unable to accept the idea, of an Imperial Council the cementing progress was proceeding and the necessity growing for some council of defence, above party and clear of loci| necessities at Nome and abroad.

Lonl Plunket stilled i.liat they hart launched not merely n warship, but the embodiment of a new epoeli in nava! history. Tie testified to the fine Imperial spirit of Xew Zealanders. who, like the Australians, were not afraid to compulsorilv train their sons for military service. Sir Joseph Ward handed a popper plaque from the colleges and schools of Xew Zealand to the Fairfield Company.