AUCKLAND WELCOME.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 87, 12 April 1940, Page 9

AUCKLAND WELCOME.

MAYORAL RECEPTION.

TOWN HALL GATHERING.

Informality and cordiality marked a Mayoral reception given to the overseas artists at the municipal chamber at the Auckland Town Hall to-day. In a large gathering, all the Auckland musical organisations were represented. The Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, extended a very hearty welcome on behalf of the citizens. He said that the visitors' arrival had been very keenly anticipated, and extensive preparations had been made for the New Zealand musical festivals. The visitors could rely on the 'best assistance from all concerned. The Centennial preparations had been marred by the war, but it was decided that the musical festivals should be held. He congratulated the visitors on their safe arrival. Auckland people would be glad to hear artists of such high reputation, and they would have great welcomes throughout Xew Zealand.

Others who took part in the welcome were Mr. J. S. Stewart, chairman of the Auckland Fine Arts Committee, Professor H. Hollinrake, Mrs. SI. M. Dreaver and Mr. A. F. O'Donoghue, the last-named saying that the people of New Zealand were in for a real musical treat.

Replying for the visitors, Mr. Heddle Nash said that they all hoped to live up to expectations, and they had brought enthusiasm with them. Amid laughter, he added that he was not a public sj>eaker. and would rather sing. Mr. Oscar Xatzke, who returned to Auckland recently, also spoke, and expressed appreciation of the welcome. At the close of the reception the National Anthem was sung, and the Mayor's final observation was thet it was the best rendering of it that he had heard in the council chamber.