SIR FRANCIS BELL.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17585, 14 October 1922, Page 11

SIR FRANCIS BELL.

HONOURED IN LONDON. SPEECH BY THE PEINCE OF WALESrBy Cablo—Press AsitocistJoa—OopfrijfMj (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received October Mth, 12.50 a.m.) LONDON., October 13'. Sir James and Lady Allen tendered a reception to 10C0 members of tho Imperial Institute, including several British Ministers. many New Zealanders, the Canadian and Australian High Commissioners, and the Australian AgentsGeneral. The Prineo of Wales presented Sir Francis Bell with a casket in commemoration of his ten years' service as Leader of tho New Zealand Legislative Council. The Prince of Wales received a, hearty ovation. Ho recalled his interest in tho Imperial Institute, which lie hoped would no of tho greatest assistance to nil tho Dominions. The present gathering recalled very pleasantly tho ninny happy days he had spent in' New Zealnnd during his tour of the days which ho could never forget. It was a pleasure to honour Sir Francis Bell, to whom he was especially grateful because ho had organised tho splendid month ho had spent in New Zealand. The Prince of Wales referred «ppr«v ciatively to the outstanding achievements of Sir Francis Bell's legal and political career. It was n wonderful record of public service. Ho concluded by wishing Sir Francis Bell a pleasant holiday. Sir Francis Bell, replying, commended tho patriotism. of the New Zealand Legislative Council in war-time in sinking partisanship and cooperating in tlio interests of Now Zealand and the Empire. That non-partisanship was continuing during post-war reconstruction. Ho pointed out tho success of Nw Zealand's repatriation scheme. Tho soldiers had already repaid one-half of tho monetary advances and their failures amounted only to two per cent. He eulogised t.TIV Princo of Wales's services to the Empire and emphasised New Zealand's loyalty to the Crown and its devotion to and respect for the ltoyal House which they claimed was as much theira as Etiglfind's,