BOND WITH HOMELAND

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 161, 9 June 1939, Page 8

BOND WITH HOMELAND

WELCOME TO COMMISSIONER. THE CIVIC LUNCHEON. New Zealand’s community with the United Kingdom in commercial relations and its standard of business integrity were emphasised at a civic luncheon hold in the Rosco tearooms, to-day, in honour of Sir Harry Batterbee, K.C.M.G., K.C.Y.0., High Commissioner in New Zealand for the United Kingdom. There was an attendance of about two hundred guests. 'l'lic ALtyor (AH- A. E. Alnnstord) presided, and among those present were .Messrs J. Hodgens, ALP., K. A. Henderson (president of the Chamber of Commerce), Tl. P. La wry, S.AI., T. L. Soddon (Mayor of Feilding), I’. AA’. Goldsmith (Afayor of Levin), J. A. Nash (chairman of the Palmerston North Hospital Board), M. E. Pen-can (Ala.vor of Foxton), AV. K. Barber (chairman of the Alanawatu Cmmly Council), C. E. Vile (president of tlic Alanawatu and AVcst Coast A. and P. Association). 11. F. Kissling (secretary-organiser of the A. and P. Association). A. N. AVallnee (Chief Postmaster), Hon. AA . Aloffntt., AI.L.C.. Professor G. S. I’crcii (principal of Abisscv Agricultural College), Air L. 11. Collinson (president of the Afaiinwntti Racing Club), Air .T. Linkluter. Hon. J. G. C’obbe, M.P... Air Al. A. Eliott (chairman of the AA’cllinglon Tlnrhour Board), and city and countv councillors. Canon G. X. AVoodward said Grace, and tlie Local Toast was honoured. DAYS OF CHANGE. “'The fact that the United Kingdom lias seen fit to appoint a High Commissioner to this Dominion is following the practice adopted with the other sell-governing Dominions and is lurllier evidence, if such were needed, of the growing importance of the trade of tliis Dominion,’’ stated the Alayor, in proposing the toast of tlicir guest, Sir Harry Batterbee. "We welcome him to our city and to this function,” added the Alayor. “AVe welcome him, not as a stranger, bill- as a highly credited representative oi the Alotherland, the heart, and soul of tlie British Common wealth.

“Remarkable changes are taking place in Europe, and it cannot be disputed that the British Commonwealth is approaching a most critical stage in its history, particularly in regard to the commercial relationships between Great Britain and the. Dominions, and ii|ion the future policy to lie adopted depends the future of the Commonwealth, for in tlic manner in which ivc approach the solution of our problems depends tlie security and maintenance of that world-wide edifice, the British Empire, which inis l>oen so ablv built for us by those who have gone before. “We are on tlie threshold of a new order, for old empires have crumbled, thrones have disappeared, nations of increased strength have come into lieing. and old States have changed their form. Under these changed circumstances the British Commonwealth has a duty to perform. to grapple with these problems and succeed. if possible, in .settling them,” stated tlic Alayor. “But we shall receive and we shall merit nothing but the contempt of posterity if we do not make an attempt for a sound and permanentsolution, and ii is in this connection that we welcome you to our midst, for we believe that Great Britain, as represented by you hero on tlie spot, is endeavouring to understand our troubles and something of our problems in an earnest endeavour to arrive at a satisfactory solution. “Tt is admitted that it- is through our commercial relationships that tlie British Commonwealth lias been built up, and tlic trading between it and the other nations has boon one of the greatest incentives to peace. “AA'c have hut tlie one object in view, (he good of the Commonwealth, together with all peace-loving people, and if wo all strive io contribute jo the happiness of mankind then wo will be treading the pathway along which, lies prosperity and tlie future of our Commonwealth. “AA’o all hope that you. as High Commissioner, with your well-known kindliness and tact, will forgo a bond of svmpathv and sentiment that will further increase tlie trade being done between New Zealand and Great Britain. and tlie Imperial knot thereby be tied the fighter,” concluded the Mayor. CITY OF THE FUTURE. Conveying thanks lor a welcome which, lie said, had already made him feel at home in Palmerston North, Sir Harry expressed regret that Lady Batterbee was unable to be present, lie said this was his third visit to Palmerston North, tlie centre ol a district renowned for its productivity. He had been hero first as a member of the staff of Rear-Admiral Beale, secondly as a member of tlie staff attached to the Duke and Duchess of York (now King and Queen) when they came here, and thirdly oil tlie present occasion. He stated that the King and Q'ueen still remembered their visit to this country, and had asked to he remembered to the people, who would he following their tour through Canada with tlic greatest ol interest. • I feel that you arc laying the foundation of a city destined to be (lie mid-city of tlie Dominion. I feel that there is a great future lying belore you,” added Sir Harry, in congratulating Palmerston North on its rapid growth and development. “it is a healthy sign in Now Zealand,” added the High Commissioner, “that there are so many cities oi importance, and all competing with each other, instead of business being concentrated in only one or two centres. Competition is a good tiling, but J lee! that Palmerston North has nothing to fear from such competition, and is sotting an example that other cities could well follow.” Commenting that his functions in til is Dominion had already been lull.' 1 described, Sir Harry said lie was here to further and assist- co-operation between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. By close contacts only could there he an understanding of problems and differences, and explanations made, inquiries answered- and questions met from each point of view. This required personal acquaintance with the subject. That was’tlie British way, and lie had come here lor that purpose. He wished to meet all sections of life in tlic Dominion—farmers, manufacturers, retailers, businessmen, hankers and shipowners. That was (lie only way in which lie could perform his’duty of bringing about a greater feeling of sympathy and understanding between the two countries, and lie was there to learn their aspirations. Sir Harry reiterated his thanks for the welcome and Hie hospitality extended t-> him Mr AL A. Eliott proposed the toast of the Parliament of New Zealand. He said tlie first Parliament was elected in 1854, with Sir William Fox, after whom lie believed the town of Foxton had been called, as Ihe first Premier. His successors in Sir Harry Atkinson. Sir Julius Vogel, John Bnllance, Richard .John Soddon and William Massey had worthily uphold that office, and their names were

household words. For integrity, sincerity and honesty ol purpose, the annals of Parliament in New Zealand would hear comparison with any in tlie world. A politician's life was a hard and unremitting one. AVlietlicr or not they agreed with the Parliament of the day, as long as it carried out the high ideals, courage and attributes of the past, and followed the example of the Mother. Parliament, they need have no misgivings about the future. Replying, Afr Hodgens congratulated Air Eliott on being elected chairman of the AVellington Harbour Board. The sponsor of tlie toast, said Mr Hodgens, had quoted the of men of glorious traditions. New Zealand had shown the way to the world in progressive legislation, including reduced infant mortality, suffrage reforms, and universal penny postage. Joining in the response, afr Cobbo stated that legislation was not. everything, as administration was equally important,. Members of Parliament, realising that they were tlic trustees of tlie people, were imbued with flic highest ideals. Proposing Hie toast of the City of Palmerston North. Afr T. L. Soddon recalled the progress which had been made through the courage and vision of the pioneers. Theirs was the spirit which had made the Empire great and which, he firmly believed, was implanted «in their descendants to-dav. Palmerston North had become the largest and best developed inland centre in Ihe Dominion, and Folding did not begrudge her that honour.

PLANNING AHEAD. The Alayor, in replying, said it had been computed some years ago that the value of the produce that came into Palmerston North front the surrounding land was .-£6,000,000, and that figure must now have considerably increased. These were facts which had contributed to the rapid development of this city. With flic removal of the railway from the centre of the business area there would be still greater developments. The council had secured 17 acres of land adjacent to the site of the new railway station in order to prevent a repetition of what had happened in Main Street. It would control the type of building to bo erected, so that people passing through would not get a false impression of the city, and a recreation ground would be established there. Tt was hoped to erect a fine civic block in the Square, and plans were being prepared for a new building, in addition, to be erected on the business corner opposite the Post Office, if the ratepayers would sanction it. The council were also endeavouring to acquire fresh land for recreational purposes. Though the citv was the envy ch others in that connection they were looking ahead, and he was convinced that the council were fully impressed with such a desirability. The singing of tile National Anthem concluded the function^