MRS. ROOSEVELT

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 September 1943, Page 4

MRS. ROOSEVELT

WELCOME AT AUCKLAND AUCKLAND, September 1. Mrs Roosevelt was welcomed by a great crowd at the civic reception at Auckland to-day, following a visit to American establishments. The Mayor (Mr Allum) said the day was one of the most memorable in Auckland’s history. One regret was that the President was unable to be here. The presence of American forces had filled New Zealanders with a sense of confidence and security. It seemed but yesterday when it appeared the end was almost at hand, then suddenly the scene changed, as the Dominion was joined in the struggle by the gallant men of the U.S.A. The fact of beingable to extend a welcome to-day was due solely to the vast development of the defence forces in this part of the world, which assured success in the joint effort. “Your men came at a time when our own sons were serving in distant fields, and it was with feeling that here was an opportunity to repay the kindnesses extended to our boys in other countries, not leastly in America, that the people of New Zealand opened their hearts and homes to these boys in. whom you have so feelingly expressed your own pride. Where men in thousands more in and mingle with new peoples, each speaking the common tongue, those invisible ties binding nations together are closely linked. Thus we envisage the time when post-war problems will become more easy of solution by the greater understanding created.