MUTUAL AID

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 27, 1 February 1923, Page 8

MUTUAL AID

VISIT OF FRENCH MISSION

FAREWELL RADIO MESSAGES.

Since the departure of the French Mission interesting/messages have passed between the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey) and Rear-Admiral Gilly and Governor Guvon. Yesterday the Prime Minister addressed the following radio telegram to Admiral Gilly :—

"In again wishing yourself, your officers, and men bon voyage, I want to tell you once more how much the visit of the'Jnles Michelet has been appreciated by the people of New Zealand. I am sure your sojourn among us, brief though it was, has served still further to strengthen the bonds uniting New Zealand and your own illustrious country in lasting friendship. Kia ora.—(Signed) Massey, Prime Minister." The message to Governor Guyon read:

"Accept on behalf of New Zealand Government, the renewed assurance of the sincere pleasure it has given us to receive yourself and the members of'your mission amongst us. Wo hope as a result of your .visit and the information you have been, enabled to acquire that the mutual commercial interests of both our countries may be helpfully promoted. Bon voyage.—(Signed), Massey, Prime Minister." A radio from Admiral Gilly crossed in transit that forwarded by Mr. Massey. . The Admiral's final message read: "It is with feelings of emotion that we leave New Zealand to-day. The Government and people of the Dominion have extended to us such a cordial and affectionate welcome that we have been deeply touched. From Auckland, from Wellington, and from all the places which we have been able to visit, we carry away lasting impressions. It is a matter of -great regret that we have been unable to visit the South Island and also to have spenfc~\so few days among our friends of the Dominion. We have brought the salutations of France to a valiant people whose sons have gained immortal lam-els in the Great War. We shall ever preserve solemnly and faithfully the memory of the heroes who have gloriously fallen. To those who have been able to return to their native country we extend once again the hand of friendship. The members of my Mission, my officers, and men and myself thank New Zealand from the bottom of our hearts for her welcome. Our most fervent wishes are* for her greatness and prosperity in the .time of peace. We sincerely hope that the visit of the Jules Michelet will still further strengthen the bonds of friendship between France and your beautiful Dominion. I present to you and also to the members of the Government my personal regards.—(Sgd.) Admiral Gilly." The Prime. Minister also received a radio from Governor Guyon :— "The Admiral has expressed to you in the name of all on board the Jules Michelet the deepest gratitude for the extremely kind and hospitable reception extended to us all by the Government and. people of New Zealand. In thanking you for your telegram, I wish to renew the assurance of my kefenest appreciation. The measures taken by your Government, the valuable help of Mr. Collins, and the official information carefully compiled by him and by other Departments have given the • Mission economic material in the best condition possible for the accomplishment of its task. The Mission will do its utmost to make known the notable social and economic work" carried out in New Zealand under your guidance. It will also endeavour to promote the commercial relations of our two countries,, already united by the strongest friendship, the cordial manifestation of which profoundly touched us during our stay in the Dominion.—(Sgd.) Governor Guypn." • • | A MESSAGE TO WELLINGTON, ■ The.) following radio message was received from the French' cruiser to-day by the Mayor of Wellington:—"We have been extremely touched by the warm welcome extended to the officers and crew of the Jules Michelet by the city of Wellington. I desire to thank you, Mr. Mayor, personally, and torequest that you will convey our heartfelt thanks tp all your fellow-citizens. We wish your beautiful city all prosperity in the future."

The Mayor sent the following reply:— "To Rear-Admiral Gilly: I am very gratified with your message appreciating the reception by Wellington citizens of the personnel of/ the Jliles Michelet. I cordially reciprocate your good wishes for future prosperity."