PALMERSTON’S WELCOME

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 119, 13 February 1926, Page 6

PALMERSTON’S WELCOME

« TO VISITING FRENCH OFFICERS Palmerston North, February 12. New Zealand’s welcome to the officers and men of the French warship Cassiopee, at present at Wellington, was echoed by Palmerston North to-day when a civic welcome was accorded three officers who made the journey from the capital city. The officers were Lieutenant Lemmonnier and Sub-Lieutenants O'Neill and Herman. Upon arrival at the Palmerston North failway station they were welcomed by the Mayor (Mr. Fi J. Nathan) and councillors and business men of the town. They were driven by motor to the Grand Hotel, where they were entertained at dinner. In addressing the visitors, Mr. Nathan recalled the previous visit here of French naval men, and the pleasant associations of that time. These visits did a great amount of good, he said, because one got to know the trade conditions and requirements of the respective countries. France took a very large consignment of New Zealand wool, and it was hoped to create a bigger market for butter, cheese, and frozen meat. The speaker knew that the visitors of to-day were taking more than ordinary interest in trade conditions. Mr. Nathan expressed the pleasure of the citizens of Palmerston North at having this opportunity of meeting with and entertaining the visitors from overseas. Pie regretted that the time was so short that the visitors could not be shown all that Palmerston would like to show them, and it was also a pity that more officers and men could not come up, but that was found to be impossible as the ship sailed the next day. 1

Messrs. J A. Nash, M.P., and H. L. Young, president of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the Frenchmen to the town. The toast of the visitors was then drunk.

In reply, Lieutenant Lemmonnier tendered thanks for the kindness and hospitality extended himself and his brother officers. He regretted that more of the men from the ship could not make the trip to Palmerston, but the circumstances were as Mr. Nathan had explained. Those who were able to go were very pleased to do so; there was nothing more pleasant for a naval 'man than to travel through tie peaceful,- quiet country- When the men of the French fleet returned from New Zealand they did so voising high appreciation of the Dominion and of their visit—“which is one of the reasons why I tried to come out in the ship now in New Zealand waters,” said the speaker to applause. The visitors were then taken by motor and shown parts of the borough, including the racecourse at Awaptini, the Esplanade, and the A. and P. show grounds. _ They departed later by train for Wellington.