PRAISE FOR MR. FORBES

Evening Post, Issue 50, 27 August 1935, Page 7

PRAISE FOR MR. FORBES

MISSION TO LONDON

A WORTHY REPRESENTATIVE

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, August 26. . As representative of New Zealand at ;he celebrations in London of the Silver Jubilee of the King, the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) was accorded a civic reception in the City Council Chamber today by the Mayor (Mr.-.-D. G.. Sullivan, M.P.). Complimentary references were made by the speakers to the able manner in which Mi*. Forbes had represented the Dominion at the celebrations, and to the work he had done in the trade discussions between .the countries of the Empire. .There was a large attendance, almost every seat being taken. The Mayor was supported in his remarks of welcome by Sir'Heaton Rhodes and Mr. H. T. Armstrong; M.P.,'representing the Labour Party. Mr. Sullivan said that Mr. Forbes was being honoured because he had carried to the King New Zealand's message of congratulation on the attainment of twenty-five years of rule, and its-appreciation, of his wise guidance of the Empire during a period of great difficulties. . While those present were honouring Mr. Forbes, they were in a particular sense honouring the King. Sir Heaton Rhodes expressed pleasure at being ; able to welcome the Prime Minister, and regretted that Mrs. Forbes, through indisposition, could not ,be present. When Mr. Forbes left for England, it was felt that New: Zealand would be very ably represented at the .Jubilee celebrations. When he came back it was realised that he had fulfilled his task very capably. Mr. Armstrong, on behalf of the Labour Party, said the Prime Minister had worthily represented New Zealand at the Jubilee celebrations. Messrs. Forbes and. Coates had found time to enter into trade relations between the Dominion and England, and the prosperity of this country depended on its trade associations with England. On behalf of the Labour Party, he had pleasure in asso'ciating himself in the welcome to Mr. Forbes. / .

At the invitation' of the Mayor, the audience then stood and applauded Mr. Forbes. ;; : ■'.' ':.:.;' '

'After thanking the Mayor for according him a' civic reception, and the audience for its expression of good will, Mr v Forbes said that, when he left New Zealand'carrying loyal resolutions from bolh,Houses of Parliament, he felt he was on a very important mission, and that he was doing something the people of the Dominion wanted him to do. The enthusiasm with which the celebrations had been marked was a wonderful tribute to their Majesties. It had been said that differences about trade relations would break up the' Empire, but he was convinced; there was a sentiment binding the Empire together that was "stronger than the disagreements thav> trading considerations caused. After paying a tribute to the assistance given by Mr. Coates, Mr. Forbes said that he had been deeply impressed by the very fine feeling there was in England towards New Zealand.