THE NAVY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 244, 5 March 1913, Page 5

THE NAVY.

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND. J HOSPITALITY IN SOUTH AFRICA. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. Received 4, 5.5 p.m. Capetown, March 4. The Automobile Club toured the officers of the New Zealand around Table Mountain. The Government subsequently entertained tliem at lunch at Constantia. General Smuts, Minister for the Interior, presided. He welcomed the New Zealand's visit. South Africa, he said, was the first part of the Empire to begin the policy of presenting a battleship-cruiser, the Good Hope being the first outcome. "We don't," he said, "get much credit for that in these days when we are hanging back a bit. The credit has gone to other parts of the Empire." South Africa never really had a naval policy, but the subject was coming to the front. South Africa would have to go quietly. Even New Zealand had no fixed policy. She presented a Dreadnought, but her Minister of Defence -was now suggesting that it was preferable to build a navy in conjunction with Australia. New Zealand and Australia might very well say that they do their best to patrol their own seas, but South Africa happened to be on one of the greatest trade route?. It was too big a demand to ask her to be responsible for that. However, there was no reason why they should not bear their just and honest share. He was sure South Africa would not hang back when called on. The New Zealand's visit was most stimulating, and he hoped to assist in evolving a-policy worthy of South Africa. Received 4, 11.10 p.m. Capetown. March 4. A thousand school children visited the New Zealand. The Government gave a luncheon to '250 of the crew at Groot Schuer. In the afternoon the officers were entertained at a tennis party, and in the evening the Netherlands Constitution Lodge gave a Masonic reception.