THE CRISIS PAST

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 81, 3 October 1938, Page 10

THE CRISIS PAST

PUBLIC REFERENCES

Public references to the passing of the international crisis, expressing gratitude for the fortunate issue, were made at the laying of the commemorative tablet of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition at Rongotai on Saturday. Expressing his pleasure in performing the ceremony, his Excellency the Governor-General (Lord . Galway) said: — "I appreciate the invitation all the more as the occasion marks the return of a happier world atmosphere. The very timely agreement arrived at in connection with the international crisis will be recognised by all as a matter of vital importance to the success of the Exhibition. We here in New Zealand —though thousands of miles removed from the scene of the recent world trouble —each and all felt that our future happiness and prosperity were in jeopardy and that it would have been a matter of .vital concern to all of us had the Empire been plunged into war. We thank God that the iestiny of our Empire, and indeed of ;he world, has been so skilfully guided by that great British statesman, Mr. Neville Chamberlain. This morning many of you listened by radio to the return to London of the British Prime Minister, and I am sure that the hearts of all who heard the broadcast offered up a silent prayer of thanksgiving that our Empire had been blessed with such an outstanding statesman at the present juncture. FORTUNATE FOR EXHIBITION. "One of the major considerations which must occupy the minds of the exhibition authorities is that of attract- j ing exhibitors and visitors from overseas, and it is my opinion—and I am sure you will all endorse this—that the celebrations could not possibly! have been attended by any reasonable measure of success had the recent crisis not been averted. We all hope that the successful issue of the conference held a few days ago in Munich will prove to be a forerunner of greatly improved relations with foreign countries." "I take the opportunity of expressing those feelings which I know are uppermost in our hearts today," said the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop). "They are feelings of intense thankfulness for the change which has come over the international situation, feelings of gratitude towards those "who have worked so hard in the interests of peace, and, above all, thanks to that great man, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, the Rt. Hon. Neville Chamberlain. I suggest to you that before we begin our formal proceedings, we should express our gratitude and pride by singing the National Anthem." This was forthwith sung with enthusiasm, the singing being led by the Port Nicholson Silver Band. The Minister of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan), appreciating the appropriateness of the references made, referred to the relief felt at the peaceful termination of the crisis. A few days, even a few hours before, the dogs of war were struggling at their leashes, he said. A sigh of relief went up and. many expressions of thankfulness must have been made that Mr. Chamberlain and the others associated with him should have been so successful. Mr. Chamberlain's humility in visiting Germany had revealed his own greatness. In his prayer on behalf of all the Protestant Churches, the Venerable Archdeacon W. Bullock, Vicar-General of the Wellington Diocese, gave thanks to God for permitting the meeting to be held in the atmosphere of peace.