AUSTRALIAN MINISTERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 November 1944, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN MINISTERS

MR. FORDE’S FAREWELL. AUCKLAND, November 8. The Deputy-Prime Minister of Australia (Mr. Forde), in a farewell message to the people of New Zealand, said:— “Before leaving New Zealand I wish to thank the people and Government of New Zealand on behalf of the . Commonwealth Government for the many kindnesses shown to my colleague, Dr. Evatt, and myself, during our visit. Although our visit was a short one, and meant a considerable amount of hard work on important matters of mutual interest to our respective governments, everything was done to make our stay as pleasant as possible. We were able to see a great deal of the country, both in the North and South Islands. I was impressed by the wonderful'tourist attractions in New Zealand, and by the industry and warmheartedness of the people. I formed a great admiration for the people of New Zealand, and a high appreciation of the country itself. “Our mission was a complete success, and this was made possible by the friendliness and co-operation which exist between our respective peoples and governments, and which, I am sure, will never cease to exist. The success of the conference in Wellington will be of mutual advantage both to New Zealand and Australia, and the way has been paved for co-operation on many important ouestions that will arise in the future. The success of the official mission and the manner in which we have been received in New Zealand have left nothing to be desired. We will look forward to the next visit to Australia of a New Zealand delegation. and I am sure the foundation already laid will mean the success of future conferences.”