MET ROOSEVELT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 34, 10 February 1943, Page 4

MET ROOSEVELT

GREAT PERSONALITY AUCKLANDER'S VISIT

New Zealanders who have had the honour of meeting the President of the United States in a private capacity must be few, but among the select number is Mr S J. Robinson, managing director of B. J. Ball (N.Z.), Ltd., who related his experience during a recent business trip at the first luncheon meeting, of the year of the Auckland Creditmens Club, held in the' Milne and Choyce reception hall to-day. Mr. F. C. Brookbanks presided. . • . , Mr. Robinson stated that his deep admiration for Mr. Roosevelt as a man, and his profound respect for what he had done for the United Nations in the present world crisis,had long since been the basis of a determination to meet the first citizen of the United States if he were ever fortunate enough to have the opportunity. By a combination of circumstances luck came his way, and acquaintance with a personal friend of the President was responsible for his being greatly honoured in being allowed to attend at White House on the occasion of one of the President's Press conferences. At the close of the 15-minute interview with the newspaper representatives, in which the President dealt with a veritable barrage of questions on many subjects, Mr. Robinson remained behind and was introduced to Mr. Roosevelt.

"We are certainly extending our oversea acquaintanceships," said Mr. Roosevelt to the Auckland visitor. "We are learning more about geography, and that is - all to the good. I have met Mr. Fraser and also Mr. Nash from your country." Mr Robinson said he was fascinated by'the personality of the President, whose enthusiasm, determination and charm seemed inexhaustible.

The speaker said he had met Mr. Nash on several occasions while in Washington, and added, "He is highly- thought of in the American capital. He is making his mark and is doing New Zealand no harm."