FAREWELL MESSAGES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 21 December 1927, Page 5

FAREWELL MESSAGES.

MR AND I AIRS A MERY LEAVE NEW • ZEALAND. 1 ,ESSQNS OF Ti l E TO URi. lUY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSSuui ATION - ' AUCKLAND, Dec. 20. Prior to bis departure by the Aorangi Lo-night, the Rt. Hon. L. C. AI. S. Amery and Airs- Ainery were farewelled at -an official function on the wharf. The Prime- Minister, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, said Air and Airs Amery left New Zealand with' the esteem and best wishes of everyone in the country. Airs Amery had especially captured the hearts of all. In a recent address Airs Amery had emphasi-sed the need for the whole of the Empire to work day and night in the fostering of Empire trade. That ideal every Briton, should take to heart. Air Coates referred to the value- of the- visit in developing a wider understanding between the Empire and New Zealand, and added : “On vour return to Britain remember New Zealand will always answer willingly a call for anything Britain may need. When .1 make that statement I make it on behalf of 99 out of every 10Q New Zealanders.’ '

111 his characteristic way, Air Coates concluded his speech in Maori: “Go away both of you,” he said, “and may you find your two boys in the best of health. God speed and Kia Ora.”

In his reply, Air Amery stated that his tour had exceeded his expectations. “I go back well equipped,” lie said. “The tour has convinced me that Empire relations depend a. great deal on personal contact and understanding. The intensely loyal spirit and the vigorous outlook of the people of New Zealand is a sou roe of refreshing inspiration to- me. I feel convinced that tiie future of New Zealand, and of the Elmpire as a whole, depends on the closer co-operation of the Mother Country with her Dominions. I have the greatest faith in New Zealand ; you have an unique' country and one, I find, that is essentially and whole-heartedly British.”

Air Amery, inspired by Mr Coates’ statement in Alaori, rose to the occasion and said, much to the amusement of the gathering in very English Alaori : “A Merry Christmas to all of you in New Zealand.”