H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 275, 12 April 1913, Page 5

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND.

.STATEMENT BY MR. MASSES'. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, April 11. Mr. Masscy states that the following arrangements have been made regarding the conveyance ■by rail of school children visiting ports for the purpose of seeing the battleship New Zealand:— (1) School children of 11 years and over to be conveyed to ports at school "day's excurison" rates when travelling together in charge of school teacher* or, school committees; (2) it is impos- [ sible to provide trains sufficient to convey the younger children; if it is found possible to reduce the age limit to ten years it will he done; (3) in cases where children can return home the same day as they leave home, the fares payable wilt be provided out of a special vote and they therefore will travel free. It is impossible to provide free travel for children coming from beyond the limits fixed bv this rule.

THE LYTTELTON VISIT. Christchurch, Last Night. A message from Dunedin was received to-day to the effect that Captain Halsey may hesitate to bring the New Zealand into Lyttelton Harbor, but may anchor outside. This was brought under the notice of Mr. Cyrus Williams, secretary and engineer of the Lyttelton Harbor Board, to-day. Mr. Williams stated that he had already despatched the following cablegram to Captain Halsey: "Owing to the difficulties of embarking school children and other visitors off Camp Bay, in Lyttelton Harbor, the Board hopes that you will allow your ship to be berthed at No. 3 jetty at Lyttelton. Can safely berth you drawing up to 30 feet. The harbor-master will submit to you on arrival plans of soundings just made." Mr| Williams stated that the message sent represented the official pronouncement of the Board regarding the suitability of Lyttelton Harbor for the passage of the New Zealand. Full information bearing out the' statement would be supplied to Captain Halsey, and it was then entirely his business to decide what course he would adopt. It was not for anybody else to say whether he should bring the ship into Lyttelton or not, and it was absurd for people to try and exert pressure on a man in Captain Halsey's position. AN INTERCHANGE OF COURTESIES. Wellington, Last Night. His Excellency the Governor sent the following message to-day to Captain Halsey, H.M.S. New Zealand: "On behalf of my Government and the people of New Zealand I extend* a cordial welcome to these islands to yourself and your officers and crew. I can assure you that all classes of the people are eagerly looking forward to seeing the ship which bears the name of the Dominion.—Liverpool, Governor." Lord Liverpool to-night received the following reply: "All on board desire to heartily thank you and your Government for your kind message of welcome. We are pleased to be nearing the shores of our Dominion, and are proud to serve in the ship which she has so magnanimously given to defend our Empire. We are looking forward to meeting our kinsmen.—Captain Halsey."

WILL THE BATTLESHIP COME TO NEW PLYMOUTH?

In view of uncertainty about the coming of the Dominion to New Plymouth, Mr. 11. J. Okey, M. P., has sent "the following telegram to the Hon. 11. D. Bell, the Minister who is responsible for the arrangements in connection with the visit of the battleship:—"lt is rumoured that the Railway Department are instructed to prepare special trains to convey passengers to visit the Dreadnought in Wellington. This indicates that the New Zealand will not visit New Plymouth. The Prime Minister in reply to .representations all along the line promised to advise the Governor to allow a visit for at least one day. Considerable disappointment exists owing to her being detained in the larger centres, whilst persons residing? in places with historic associations such as Tavanaki, are not allowed the pleasure of seping? the shin towards which they so willingly contributed. T trust yon will yet be able to '•omnlv with our wishes." Mr. Okev received the following renlv from th« non. 11. D. Bell: "Nothing whatever has been decided about the visit of the battleship to New Plvmouth. Captain llalsey will be consulted on his arrival, arid you will be informed as soon as possible. The Government has offered no opinion. and will place vour telegram and others from your district before the captain, but there is a real difficulty in tendering the battleship ,with any Government vessel if the se/i is heavy, and her time is limited. So that she could not lie off. awaitinsr suitable weather. All hrr arrangements must be on that basis. Please make this public."