ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 108, 8 May 1923, Page 9

ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

HOSPITALITY TO AMERICA.

A particularly pleasant and successful party was given yesterday afternoon at the Dominion Farmers' Institute Hall by the newly-formed English-Speaking Union in honour of the visit of Captain Pollock, Governor of Samoa, with Commander Ertz, of the Ontario, and Dr. Humphreys. The hall was suitably decorated with the Union Jack, the Stars. n*d Stripes, and other flags, and also with bowls of chrysanthemums, the tea table being artisticallyl decorated with vases of beautiful- yellow chrysanthemums and brown foliage. There was a number of Wellington officials and members of the union present to welcome the guests of honour, and Mr. Morpeth, chairman of the Executive Committee, made a cordial little welcoming speech. He mentioned the recent formation of the branch of the union, which was not yet in working order, but said that the executive felt that the visit of Captain Pollock was an occasion which must not be missed, as the intention of the union was to welcome all friends of the English-speaking world. He mentioned the formation of the original union in London, and said that it was not formed for any other reason than the drawing together in the bonds of friendship and understanding the English-speaking peoples of the world. Sir Francis Bell, president of the Wei. lington brajjeh, who was in the chair, expressed welcome also, and mentioned the work of Lord Balfour in its formation. It was not intended to be a United States,of England and America England was as patriotic as America, which could set an example to the world of patriotism, but it was intended to draw together those two great nations, both of whom spoke the same mother tongue. He hoped it might accomplish this, and that in time. Georgp 111. would be forgotten, and the two great Englishspeaking nations would work together to maintain the ,peace of the world. Sir Francis said' that it was fitting the first to be welcomed by the union in New Zealand should be the Governor of Samoa, for there wq were linked as closely together as Canada was, and those who had been to Samoa could speak of the kindness received from Lheir American neighbours. He also spoke of the kindness and hospitality extended to travelling New Zealanders in America, which we should copy here, for America was our highway to Great Britain.

Sir Harold Beauchamp also spoke in terms of welcome to Captain Pollock and his companions. He mentioned that the E.S.U. was an off-shoot of nhe Atlantic Union with which he had been connected many yearn ago on its foundation, and which wa3 formed for the same purpose of drawing together English oversea Britishers and Americans. He touched upon the Monroe Doctrine and other points of interest, with some apt little anecdotes concerning friendly relations between British and American folk. The fact that th.c Governor of Western Samoa was a naval man appealed to New Zealanders, who also had a naval Governor-General. Sir Harold added his welcome to the others present. Governor Pollock briefly replied to the speeches' of welcome, thanking all who had been so kind and hospitable during their visit to New Zealand. He said that English was the language of the world, or, at any rate, they were trying to make it so. In Samoa the teaching of English was progressing, and he felt it would prove a further linkbetween the two Samoan colonies. He expressed much liking_ for New Zealand] and. was warm in praise of the hospitality they had received. The programme was brief, consisting of three delightful songs, given by Mrs. Shaw, Mr. W. Goudie, and Mr. Camphell, and the Misses Henry played "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the beginning of tha function as a compliment to the visitors, Dr. Platts-Mills playing the National Anthem at the conclusion. Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Morpeth, Mrs. and Miss Bates, the Mayor of Wellington and Mrs. Wright, Sir John and Lady Findlay, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Gray, Mr. and Mrs. J. Hislop, Mr. and Mrs. Sievwright, Mrs. Sprott, Sir Thomas Mackenzie, Mrs. J. W. Henderson, Mr. R. D. D. M'Lean, Colonel Campbell, Mrs. Preston, Mr. and Mrs.. M'Gowan, Mr. A. Leigh Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. Ilott, Mr. Mays (American Vice-Consul), Mr. J. Black, Mr. Atmore, M.P., Mr. G. Toogood, and others. In charge of the tea arrangements were Mrs. R. Johnston, who was assisted by Mrs. J. O. Andersen, Mrs. A. L. Treadwell, Mrs. Campbell, Miss Phyllis Bates, and Miss Gore. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from the Right Hon. W. F. Massey arid Mrs. Massey, Sir John Salmond, the Bishop of Wellington, and Sir Robert and Lady Stout.