'FULL CONFIDENCE'

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 170, 20 July 1936, Page 9

'FULL CONFIDENCE'

HIGH COMMISSIONER

MR. JORDAN'S APPOINTMENT

CIVIC FAKEWELL GIVEN,

A striking tribute to the services to the Dominion of Mr. W. J. Jordan. M.P., was paid and the confidence of all sections of the community ill him worthily to uphold the position of High Commissioner in London, was expressed at a civic farewell to Mr. an<l Mrs. Jordan at. the Town Hall to-day. On the platform were the Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis and Mrs. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Jordan, Mr. W. Schramm, M.P., representing the Government, the Hon. B. Martin, deputy-Mayor. Mr. A. Ross, president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. A. Rosser, one of the pioneers of the Labour movement. The Mayoral Chamber, where the farewell took place, was filled to overflowing. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan sail to-morrow morning by the Niagara. The Mayor said he was happy to join ! in offering Mr. Jordan the goodwill and best wishes of the citizens of Auckland as he had enjoyed Mr. Jordan's personal friendship over many years. Referring to the expressions of goodwill which Mr. Jordan had already received in the metropolitan area, Mr. Davis said it must be a matter of great gratification to him to have had such spontaneous ' indications, not only of esteem and regard, but of confidence in liis appointment. "As New Zealand's ambassador 'to London you will find yourself in the centre of the world's political, financial, commercial and social life, and in these spheres we are confident you will uphold the fair name which New .Zealand enjoys," said Mr. Davis. "Moreover, your activities in London will doubtless strengthen still further the bonds of common ideal and purpose that are as great a unifying force as is our kinship, because the blood that joins us is thicker than the water which divides us. Those of us who have been to London know how highly New Zealanders are regarded and 'that the word 'New Zea- | land' is an 'open Sesame' to everything 1 and anything there. There is no question in the mind of any of us that in 1 the capacity of High Commissioner for ] New Zealand in London you will uphold the high traditions of that illustrious office. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan, I would like to convey to you again the best wishes of the citizens of Auckland for a highly successful term of office. On their behalf I wish you bon voyage and Godspeed." Mr. Savage's Message. The following message from the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, was read by Mr. Schramm: — "It is with extreme regret that I find it impracticable to be present to-day at the civic farewell to be tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Jordan, and I desire that you tender my sincere apologies. Will you please convey, on behalf of the Government, their sincere good wishes. 1 should like to pay a tribute to Mr. Jordan's whole-hearted and conscientious services to his electorate over the past 15 years, and to express the keenesf appreciation of his worthy record ol public service in the wider sphere ol national affairs. Mr. Jordan's record his proved ability and his persona qualities have recommended the Govern inent to repose in him their full confi (lence. In appointing him to be tin Dominion's chief representative over seas as High Commissioner in Greai Britain and as representative on tin League of Nations, the Governmem know that Mr. Jordan will uphold th< interests of New Zealand in the highesj possible manner. On behalf of the Gov eminent I wish Mr. and Mrs. Jordai every happiness and success in theii life overseas." Appreciation of the opportunity t< join in the tare well was expressed Ivj Mr. Ross, while Mr. Martin and Mr Rosser added their tributes. Representing the People. It was hard to understand even yet the fine expressions of kindness and goodwill which he had received, eaid Mr. Jordan in reply. Perhaps it was sym- ■ pathy in the greatness of the task before him and Mrs. Jordan. He would go forward conscious of the fact that lie was following a long line of worthy and able High Commissioners. He was i proud to represent New Zealand —the , people of New Zealand, who had displayed in their short history energy and honesty of purpose. He expressed his appreciation to the people of his electorate in the confidence they had reposed in him for 14 years, and to the Government for the task with which he had 1 been entrusted. Mr. Jordan added that he felt the weight of the responsibility and would • always do his best to represent the ideals of the people. He hoped to meet Mr. Davis' mother again in England and ( also his own mother. Practically every- ! body in the gathering, either through ( tlieir parents or their grandparents, had come from'the British Isles. "I feci that I am not going to represent another country but that I will be among our people," added Mr. Jordan amid applause. ' In expressing his appreciation again on ' behalf of himself and his wife, Mr. Jor- [ dan said that Mrs. Jordan had all the P way through been the power behind the gun. They felt inspired by the fare- . wells. All he hoped was that when he made mistakes tliev would be immaterial. He would try in every action and 5 word to represent the people of New 1 Zealand and not to let them down. (Cheers.)