HMS New Zealand anchored at Dunedin
In 1913 the brand-new HMS New Zealand steamed around the North and South islands, docking at every harbour or anchoring offshore to receive visitors. The citizens of Dunedin were disappointed that the ship was obliged to anchor in the lower harbour, due to concerns over the depth of the inner harbour and a lack of suitable docking facilities. Nevertheless, boatloads of people made their way out for tours, as did the prolific local film-maker Henry Gore. This film, taken for exhibition in a local cinema, shows the New Zealand from the water, the forward 12-inch guns and the ship’s coat of arms. Look out for a glimpse of a man operating the ship’s flashlight. He wears a civilian suit and so is not a regular sailor, but perhaps one of Gore’s assistants taking a rare leading role.
HMS New Zealand anchored at Dunedin
In 1913 the brand-new HMS New Zealand steamed around the North and South islands, docking at every harbour or anchoring offshore to receive visitors. The citizens of Dunedin were disappointed that the ship was obliged to anchor in the lower harbour, due to concerns over the depth of the inner harbour and a lack of suitable docking facilities. Nevertheless, boatloads of people made their way out for tours, as did the prolific local film-maker Henry Gore. This film, taken for exhibition in a local cinema, shows the New Zealand from the water, the forward 12-inch guns and the ship’s coat of arms. Look out for a glimpse of a man operating the ship’s flashlight. He wears a civilian suit and so is not a regular sailor, but perhaps one of Gore’s assistants taking a rare leading role.
Year: 1913
Length: 01:02
Credits: Filmed by: Henry C. Gore
Source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
Catalogue Reference: F38483 HMS New Zealand. June 1913 [HC Gore extracts]
Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
Most New Zealanders felt tremendously proud that they could contribute to the British Empire’s naval armament by donating the cost of a new battle-cruiser. The HMS New Zealand was built in Glasgow and launched in 1911. She then sailed on a world cruise, calling at Durban, Melbourne and other ports before reaching New Zealand in April 1913. During her stay of more than ten weeks in New Zealand waters, the ship was inspected by nearly half a million people. In World War One she took part in numerous naval actions and was hit several times, but suffered little damage. Just ten years after her launch, she was dismantled and sold to shipbreakers.
Henry C. Gore was a prolific Dunedin-based topical film maker and photographer. He became one of the first New Zealanders to gain overseas film-making experience, when he travelled to Hollywood in 1916. After his return he continued to film events in the Otago-Southland region and went on to become one of Dunedin’s leading photographers.
HMS New Zealand anchored at Dunedin
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Dunedin, New Zealand
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0:00
HMS New Zealand, sailing into harbour with hills in background.
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0:18
HMS New Zealand moored at buoy with Union Jack flapping at bowmast.
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0:30
Close up of smoke billowing from funnel.
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0:53
Front twin-12” turret and pan up to bridge with replica NZ Coat of Arms, bridge signal lamps and main mast tower.
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1:01
Close-up of front turret 12” barrel elevating up-and-down.