MISS JEAN BATTEN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 283, 28 October 1936, Page 12

MISS JEAN BATTEN.

PRIME MINISTER’S PROMISE. WELLINGTON, Oct. 28. Genuine enthusiasm marked the Parliamentary reception which was tended to Miss Jean Batten yesterday, in recognition of her record-breaking flight from England to New Zealand. The reception took the form of a morning tea in the social hall at Parliament Buildings. The Governor-General, Viscount Galway, was represented by Lieutenant Sir Standish O’Grady Roche, A.D.C. A happy speech of welcome and congratulation was made by the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage), who paid a tribute of high praise to her physical endurance, her engineering and navigating skill and her tremendous pluck. The Leader of the Opposition (Rt. Hon. G. AY. Forbes), also complimented Miss Batten on her magnificent achievement. “AYe welcome Miss Batten as one of our own,” said the Prime Minister, at the conclusion of the reception. “Anything that we can do to make her path through life easier, she can rest assured that it will be done.” Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Oct. 27. The Auckland Harbour Board has decide to donate £2OO toward the fund established by the Mayor of Auckland for Miss Jean Batten.

Mr J. Sayegh opposed the donation on the grounds flint the Government was the proper authority in New Zealand for recognising Miss Batten’s great flight, but emphasised that he admired Miss Batten’s achievement as much as anybody. Eventually the motion was carried unanimously.