MESSAGE OF GOODWILL FROM U.S.A.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 188, 11 August 1925, Page 8

MESSAGE OF GOODWILL FROM U.S.A.

A SAILORLIKE REPLY

ADMIRAL ROBISON RETURNS GREETINGS.

The great hall' rang with deafening applause and cries of entlmsiatic acclaim when Admiral Robison rose to reply. "Mr. Deputy-Mayor and citizens of Auckland," he eaid, with -sailor-like directness, "although the ships of the United States Fleet which steamed into Auckland Harbour to-day are dressed in more sombre colours than were those of the 'Great White Fleet' seventeen, years ago, they equal that fleet in personnel, exceed it in tonnage, and they carry none the less a message of goodwill and friendship-from the people of the United States to the people of New. Zealand. '"One of your writers, in commenting on the ever-memorable visit of l!) 08, used these words: 'Friends to-day, the two,. (English-speaking) nations may be comrades to-morrow in the conservation of their mutual rights and privileges against the possible aggression of the foreigner.' So it proved to be; and we come now, not only as friends, but also as comrades in the World War. A world which recognises the prowess of the eons, the sacrifices of the daughters of New Zealand. It is as comrades we greet you, treading now the pleasant paths of peace, but always ready to uphold the right." (Prolonged and enthusiastic applause.)