The Daily News. MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1913. OUR DREADNOUGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 276, 14 April 1913, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1913. OUR DREADNOUGHT.

Having nosed her way safely through two oceans, the battleship New Zealand, our tangible evidence of our love for our Motherland, found her* way quietly into Wellington harbor on Saturday afternoon, when she was greeted with quiet, if not over-demonstrative, enthusiasm. Apparently there was no very foimui reception of the giant -battleship, and with somewhat characteristic colonial philosophy, she was accepted a good deal as "a matter of course," and'rather as a spectacle than as an epitome of patriotism. When the original suggestion was made that thc'Doniinion should present the Empire with a Dreadnought, there was a shiek of dismay from certain political and social sections, but since the Vossel has been under construction there has been a singular discontinuance of this hysterical protestation. Sir Joseph Ward's foresight has, in fact, been amply justified by the attitude subsequently adopted by other children of the Empire, and the emphasis of the lesson that has i been taught. to other nations of the world that the oversea dependencies of the Empire are prepared to give both men and money in her defence. The men we gave in South Africa, at a sad cost to many a home, and the money we have given for our giant battle-cruiser at the individual cost of an odd theatre-ticket ov a small luxury or pleasure foregone, bear evidence to our awakened duty. The battleship was the cheaper gift of the two, and she remains a tangible evidence of the spirit that prompted her donation. We shall hope to see her oft" our shores. It is quite certain that Captain Halsey and his officers, when they fully ■realise the spirit in which they are being welcomed to Xew Zealand, will wish to do everything in their power to •■afford as many of our scattered thousands as possible an opportunity of inBpccting the magnificent vessel for which they have so generously and loyally put their hands in their pockets. The determination of where she is to go and when must be left to those who are charged with the grave responsibility of administering her immediate destinies. Still, we hope that New Plymouth will be included in her itinerary, even if it means cutting down her stay by a day or two in the bigger ports, where she is booked to stay for quite a time.