battle cruiser New Zealand
Pearl 3rd class cruiser
An item referred to a statement of prime minister Massey (1) of New Zealand in February in Tearoba that the British cabinet was asked to station 2 Bristol-class cruisers in New Zealand.(2) Further more would New Zealand pay an annual contribution of 50 million pound sterling. The British cabinet did yet not response but if she refused had the New Zealand at least had to order a cruiser at British shipyard. Her prime minister believed that the Pacific was a potential war area and wanted to secure the naval control over this area.(3)
Note
1. William Ferguson Massey (26 March 1856 Limavady, County Londonderry, Ireland-10 May 1925 Wellington, New Zealand), prime minister 10 July 1912-10 May 1925.
2. Light cruisers of the Town-class sub-class Bristol.
3. New Zealand subsided the Indefatigable-class battle cruiser HMS New Zealand, laid down by Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering, Govan, Scotland on 20 June 1910, serving during the First World War in European waters. In 1914 was the British Pearl-class cruiser HMS Philomel added to the Royal Navy NZ Naval Forces. She was laid down at the Navy Dockyard at Devonport, Plymouth, England on 9 May 1889.
