OBJECTS OF THE VISIT

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 155, 28 December 1918, Page 7

OBJECTS OF THE VISIT

\ (BI TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

AUCKLAND, This Day.

Discoursing on the objects i^of 'the French Mission, I!f. s Siegfried, general secretary, says the'principal', object is. to thank the Government and people: of New Zealand for the help their soldiers have given to France in the. Avar,' espemally in defending French soil against the ruthless invader. The -war has • lished better relations between Prance and Great Britain, and it is the duty of all to foster this fine beginning, intellectually, socially, and personally. New Zealanders 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, and y for, business reasons. The members of the l^encti- mission will profit by the study of the economic ■"resources of New Zealand, and they will also consider the auestion of closer commercial relations between the two. countries. France will be called upon to deal with very great social and reconstruction problems as the result of .the war, and also because she is a progressive nation;' and the experience of New Zealand in social legislation is certain to be of the greatest benefit to her. "During the visit to Australia of the mission," said M. Siegfried^ "w^e were very greatly impressed .by-the immensity of the country, and..by its. great possibilities, especially as a producer of raw materials—wool, meat, and metals. I. had previously seen Australia as six separate, colonies, but, on a recent visit I was impressed by the unity of the Australian notion—a. unity which the war has apparently done much to strengthen. The" members of the "mission were received in an exceedingly cordial spirit, and wej were delighted to verify that Franco is looked upon there' as a friend,, and that the prestige of France as the rock of defence of the Allies has been heightened and increased among all the Australian people." '