LORD NUFFIELD

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 March 1937, Page 5

LORD NUFFIELD

RECEPTION AT GREYMOUTH

! Over 200 people attended the recepI (ion to Lord Nuffield, in Harker’s lounge, last evening, representing all parts o£ the district, from Westport to Hokitika, the function being one of . the outstanding social events in the r history of Greymouth. The host was Mr. C. J. B. Norwood. Chairman of .Directors of Dominion Motors, Ltd., 'Who, after presentation to the guests, introduced them to Lord Nuffield. The function (ook the form of a buffet sup- * per and formalities were, at the wish of Lord Nuffield, entirely dispensed with. He mingled with the guests as one of them, and joined in conversation as he passed from group to group. After the serving of supper, the De-puty-Mayor (Mr. A. H. McKane) formal! j r welcomed Lord Nuffield. He said that, he first wished to thank, on behalf of the guests, Mr. Norwood, for the delightful evening which all had spent, on the occasion of the first visit to the West Coast of Lord Nuffield, to whom they wished to extend a hearty welcome. He had to offer an apology for the Mayor (Mr. Meldrum), and it was not necessary for him to say how disappointed Mr. Meldrum was that he was unable to be present to extend a welcome to their distinguished guest. He also had to tender apologies for the Member for Westland (Mr. J. O’Brien), who had been called away on Parliamentary duties, Hon. J. Goodall, M.L.C., the Mayor of Westport (Mr. J. Kilkenny), and the Mayor of Hokitika (Mr. G. A. Perry). They all realised that they had been privileged tto meet that evening one of the greatest industrialists of Great Britain, and one who was regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, philanthrophists of the day. They knew that Lord Nuffield had started his career at the foot of the ladder, and with genius and foresight had realised the wonderful possibilities of mass production. Coupled with his industrial ability and brains was a kindly nature, as shown by the fact that he had done so much for his fellow men. They knew that he had made large gifts for humanitarian objects in the Homeland, and not satisfied with that, he had followed the same practice in the Dominions. They knew what he had done foi’ the Commonwealth and New Zealand. Very happily, they rembered his last visit to New Zealand, when he made a magnificent gift to the crippled children, and in doing that he had gained the affection of the whole country. Coming nearer home, they had to thank him for the magnificent gift of £B5O for the citizens of West Coast and Buller, which the Mayor of Greymouth was deputed to distribute to deserving cases. The gift had been made without any direction, but he (Mr. McKane) could assure Lord Nuffield that his trust would not be misplaced, and that Mr. Meldrum would see to it that his wishes were faithfully observed. For those who would benefit from that fund he wished to thank Lord Nuffield, and also on behalf of the Mayor and the residents of the West Coast generally, he wished to express gratitude. In conclusion, Mr. McKane said that he wished to extend to Lord Nuffield the best wishes of the people of the West Coast, and the gathering that evening was truly representative of the whole district. They hoped that he would enjoy his stay, and that he would carry away happy memories of his visit. At the call of Mr. McKane, cheers were given for Lord Nuffield, and he was accorded musical honours.

LORD NUFFIELD’S REMARKS Responding, Lord Nuffield said: “I would like first to say how well I have been treated in this country of yours. Your hospitality is beyond all bounds. As a matter of fact, when I am put on the boat in a few days’ time I dread to think what I will be like. I would say, under the doctor! (Laughter). I have to thank the Deputy-Mayor for all the kind things he has said about me. What I have done is no more than I should have done anyway. I have been through life, through hard times, and it will be rnj r endeavour to help those less fortunate than myself. I was born into this world completely sound in wind and limb, and it will be my endeavour, in the future as in the past, to look after those less fortunate than myself.”

Continuing, Lord Nuffield said that , he had started in business, on his own, at the age of 16, which was rather an early age. Since that time he had , never had a strike, but that was for the reason that he had tried to treat other people as he would like to be treated himself. He was pleased to have met the people of the West Coast, and he hoped that in future, if he again visited this district, which he hoped to do, that they would be able to think as well of him as they did that day—perhaps better. It was a hard world, and for that reason he thought that every person who was in a position to do so should do a little hit to help the under-dog—the man who was less fitted to carry out his work in life, but that did not mean that because a man was not so well fitted he should be put under. He hoped that men employing labour would try to realise that there were many people not fitted quite so well to find the world’s goods as themselves. “I do appreciate that many of you have come a good many miles to sec me.” concluded Lord Nuflleld. “and I can only promise that I will try to come and see you again.” At the conclusion of his remarks. Lord Nuffield was again accorded musical honours, and a demand was made that Mr. Norwood, the host, should also speak. Mr. Norwood said that it was sureIv an important occasion for the West Coast, to have Lord Nuffield right with them —a man who was lionised in London. and. in that quiet way of his wielded a. tremendous influence. Yet. that evening, he was amongst them, with the utmost simplicity. The word “simplicity” had a rich meaning—a man did not show his strength when it was not necessary. Lord Nuffield had moved amongst them that evening' with the utmost cordiality, in a quiet way. and yet behind that was a. great driving force. He wielded 30.000 men and yet he had never had a strike, and exercised perfect control. He was a man who was loved for his philanthropic gifts, and yet they knew that he had the backbone, if necessary, to challenge even the Imperial Government on a matter of policy. If it had been possible for Lord Nuffield to meet the people of Hokitika and Westport, it would have given him great pleai sure, but as that was not possible, he > had tried to meet as many as possible in Greymouth. Each and everyone present had gained something through the opportunity to meet Lord Nuffield. He and Lord Nuffield has been delight- > ed with the grandeur of the West i Coast countryside, and Lord Nuffield . had stated that he would come, again; in fact, he (Mr. Norwood) thought

that it would be difficult for him to keep away. At the call of Mr. Norwood, cheers were given for Lord Nuffield, and the assemblage joined in the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” Lord Nuffield smilingly taking his place in the centre of the gathering, and later obliging by autographing numerous articles. During the evening, Mr. Harold Prescott sang “Once Again," and “Waiata Poi.” the accompanist being Miss Vonnie Millar.

Lord Nuffield, accompanied by Mr Norwood, Mr W. Hobbs, his private secretary, and Messrs G. A. Lloyd and W. D. Gordon (secretaries), left, this morning, for Westport and Nelson. The party is to spend the weekend fishing in the Marlborough Sounds, and will leave Picton on Sunday night, for Wellington.