OBJECTS OF THE VISIT.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16407, 30 December 1918, Page 7

OBJECTS OF THE VISIT.

(rRBSS ASSOCIATION TEtIiGRAM.I AUCKLAND December ii 6. Discussing the objects of the Fvcnch Mission, M. Siegfried, the general secretary, savs that tho principal object is to thank'the Government and the peonle of New Zealand for the help their soldiers have given to France in the war. especially in defending French soil against a ruthless invader. "Tho war has established better relations between France and Great_ Britain," M. Sicfried said, "and it is the duty of all to foster this fine beginning, intellectually, Socially, and l personally. Ne<v Zoalanders are certain to Visit France in greater numbers than before, and French people will undoubtedly come to New Zealand to study social and economic conditions nnd for business reasons. M n mbers of the French Mission will profit by the study of economic resources of New Zealand, and they will also consider tho nuestion of closer commercial rotations between the two countries. France will be called upon to deal with very great social reconstruction ■' problems, as the result of tho wa.r, and also because she is a progressive nation, and the experience of New Zealand in social legislation is certain to bo of the greatest benefit to her. "During our visit to Australia we were very greatly impressed by the immensity of the country and by its great possibilities, especially as a producer of raw materials, in wool, meat, and metals. I had previously seen Australia as six separate colonies, but on the recent visit I was impressed by the unitv of the Australian nation, a unity which war has dnie much Members of the Mission were received* in an exceedingly cordial manner and wo were delighted to verify that France is loolcod upon there as a friend and that the nrestipe of. France, as a rock <~f defence of tho AUtes, has ben heifrhtnnod and increased among all Australian people."