OUR DREADNOUGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 221, 6 February 1913, Page 5

OUR DREADNOUGHT.

"COMPLETELY CIIAXGES BRITISH SEA-POWER." THE KING'S VISIT. XEWSPAPER COMMENT. Received 5, ] 0.40 p.m. Ey Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London. February o. The newspapers are giving prominence to the King's visit to the New Zealand b:itt!"ship. in a number of long leaders. The Daily .Mail says that the visit is of deep historic significance. "The vessel." it says, ' is a living proof that we have great allies in our kindred overseas. New Zealand's example is bearing splendid fruit, but the Dominion's generosity has in nowise diminished the need for British exertion. If only five battleships are built in 101.1 we shall not maintain the 60 per cent, margin." The Morning Post says that Xew Zealand set, the movement, on train, and it bids fair to culminate in the organisation of a great defensive league between the self-governing States of the Empire. The growth of nationality gives the sentiment of loyalty to the Empire more vigor and purpose. Experience will show the best machinery to provide united action. The Express says that the King's visit puts the. seal on a development which has completely changed British sea power. "A TETHER STROXGEE THANDEATH." A PRESS TRIBUTE. Received 5, 5.5 p.m. London. February .1. Referring to the King's inspection of the New Zealand, the Pall Mall Gazette says: "What an occasion for the monarch, captain, midshipmen, bluejackets and marines aboard. The vessel was a freewill offering from the most distant Dominion, a sign and a symbol of a tether stronger than death, binding the distant lands of the British Commonwealth. The New Zealand goes to greet the South Africans, Australians and Canadians in the name of their New Zealand brethren." AX IXTERESTIXG FUXCTIOX. - KEEPING TOE FLAG FLYING. London, February 4.

Speaking during the visit of inspection to the battleship New Zealand, the Hon. T. Mackenzie said he was proud to have been -a member of Sir Joseph Ward's Government. The coat of arms might be taken to typify Drake's Revenge, Anson's Centurion, and Captain Halsey's New Zealand. Whereas the former were buccaneers, Captain Halsev was a man of peaee and goodwill. Thev were proud that New Zealand was the first to make a definite offer. Australia quickly followed, then Canada and the Malay Straits, and he was sure that South Africa, India and the others would do their part. The New Zealand's voyage would be a great demonstration. It showed that England, by trusting the overseas Dominions and giving them power of selfgovernment and the privilege of working out their own destinies, received the spontaneous support cf the overseas Dominions, whereas, when she attempted to force on the United States a eon. tribution towards defence, she lo>t her possession. The voyage was also an indication to envious rivals that the Mother Country could not be threatened and menaced without their having to reckon with the daughter States, for the words "Hands off!" would come from the cannon's mouth on behalf of her daughters. The New Zealand typified the power of the Empire on the sea. New Zealand and the other Dominions were exceedingly anxious that the navy of the Empire should be equal to any challenge. They did not wish, to become weak pawns on the chess-hoard. Mr. James Allen said that if the Mother Country needed more. New Zealand would give it. They were determined lo keep the llag (lying on the seas over the whole world, and were anxious that the Pacific should be as safe as the Atlantic and the North Sea. lie hoped the colonies in the l'acitie would put their heads together to en>uve its safety. New Zealand would not he .satisfied | until she iiad leore ship- and more .New j Zealand bluejackets. They considered it insufficient to surilice material only to the Empire's needs, but must also give men, who would be forthcoming when they could afford them. Sir Oeorge Reid was eonlined to his bed with influenza, and cancelled all ergagements. As the King's visit of inspection to the battleship New Zealand 011 Ash Wednesday is to be semi-private, there will be 110 guard of honor, and only one reporter and one photographer.