BOND WITH HOMELAND

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 162, 10 June 1939, Page 10

BOND WITH HOMELAND

WELCOME TO COMMISSIONER. THE CIVIC LUNCHEON. Now Zealand’s community with the United Kingdom in commercial relations and its standard of business integrity were emphasised at a civic luncheon held in the Roseo tearooms, yesterday, in honour of Sir Harry Battcrbec, K.C.M.G., K.C.V.0., High Commissioner in New Zealand for the United Kingdom. There was_ an attendance of about two hundred guests. The Mayor (All- A. E. Mansi'ord) presided, and among those present were Messrs J. Hodgens, ALP., K. A. Henderson (president ol the Chamber of .Commerce), IT. P. Tut wry, S.M., T. T,. Seddon (Mayor of Feilding). P. AY. Goldsmith (Mayor ol Levin), J. A. Nash (chairman of the Palmerston North Hospital Board), M. E. Perreau (Mayor of Foxton), AY . E. Barber (chairman of the Alanawatu County Council), C. E. \ T ile (president of the Alnnawatu and AY'est Coast. A. and P. Association), U. E. Kissling (secretary-organiser of the A. and P. Association), A. N. AYallace (Chief Postmaster), Hon. A\Y Moffntt, M.L.C., Professor G. S. Peron (principal of Alassev Agricultural College), Air L. 11. Collinson (president of the ALinnwatu Pacing Chib), Air J. Linklater. Hon. .7. G. Cobbe, ALP... Air Af. A. Eliott (chairman of the AYellington Harbour Board), and city and countv councillors. Canon G. A T . AVoodivard said Grace, and the Loyal Toast was honoured. DAYS GF CHANGE.

“The tact that the United Kingdom has seen fit to appoint a High Commissioner to this Dominion is following tlie practice adopted with the other self-governing Dominions and is further evidence, if such were needed, of the growing importance oi the trade of this Dominion,” stated the Alayor, in proposing the toast of their guest, Sir Harry Ilatterbec. “We welcome him to our city and to this function,” added the Mayor. “AY’c welcome him, not as a stranger, but as a highly credited representative of the Motherland, the heart and soul of the 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 upon the future policy to ho adopted depends the future of the Commonwealth. for in the manner in which we approach the solution of our problems depends the security and maintenance of that world-wide edifice, the British Empire, which has l>een so ably built for us by those who have gone before. “AVe arc on the threshold ol a new order, for old empires have crumbled, thrones have disappeared, nations of increased strength have c-ome into being. 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 the Alavor.

“But we shall receive and we shall merit nothing hut the contempt of posterity if we do not make an attempt for a sound and permanent solution, and it is in this connection that wo welcome von to our midst, for we believe that Great Britain, as represented by you here on the spot, is endeavouring to understand our troubles and something of our problems in an earnest, endeavour to arrive at a satisfactory solution. “It is admitted that it. is through our commercial relationships that the British Commonwealth has been built up, and the trailing between it and the other nations has been one of the greatest incentives to peace. “AVe have lint the one object in view, the good of the Commonwealth, together with all peace-loving people, and if we all strive to contribute to tlie hapruness of mankind then we will he treading the pathway along which lies prosperity and the I titurc of our Com monwealth.

“"Wo all hope that you, as High Commissioner, with your well-known kindliness and tact, will force a bond of sympathy and sentiment that will further increase the trade being done between New Zealand and Great Britain. and the Imperial knot thereby be tied the tighter.” concluded the M ayor. CITY OF THE FUTURE. Conveying thanks for a welcome which, lie said, bad already made him feel at home in Palmerston North. Sir Harry expressed regret that Lady Batterbee was unable fo bo present. He said this was his third visit to Palmerston North, the centre of a district renowned for its productivity. He had been here first as a member of the staff of Rear-Admiral Beale, secondly as a member of the staff attached to the Duke and Duchess of York (now King and Queen) when they came here, and thirdly on the present occasion. He stated that the King and Queen still remembered their visit to this country, and had asked to be remembered to the people, who would be following their tour through Canada with the greatest of interest. “I feel that you are laying tho foundation of a city destined to bo the mid-citv of the 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 New Zealand,” added the High Commissioner, “that there are so many cities of importance, and all competing with each other, instead of business being concentrated in only one or two centres. Competition is a good thing, but I feel that Palmerston North has nothing to fear from such competition, and is setting an example that other cities could well follow.”

Commenting that his functions in this Dominion had already been fully described, Sir Harry said he was here to further and assist co-operation between the United Kingdom anti New Zealand. By close contacts only could there be aii understanding ot 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 the British way, and he had come here for that purpose. He wished to meet all sections of life in the Dominion —farmers, manufacturers, retailers, businessmen, hankers and shipowners. That was the only way in which he could perform his' duty of bringing about a greater feeling of sympathy and understanding between the two countries, and he was there to learn their aspirations. Sir liarrv reiterated his thanks for the welcome and the hospitality extended t-j him.

Mr M. A. Eliott proposed the toast of the Parliament of New Zealand. He said tfie first Parliament was elected in 1854, with Sir William Fox, after whom he believed the town of Foxton had been called, as the first Premier. His successors in Sir Harry Atkinson, Sir Julius Vogel, John Bnllance, Richard John Soddon and William Massey hail worthily upheld that office, and their names were

household words. For integrity, sincerity and honesty oi purpose, the annals of Parliament in New Zealand would hear comparison with any in the world. A politician's life was a hard and unremitting one. Whether 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, Air Hodgens congratulated Air Eliott on being elected chairman of the AVellington Harbour Board. The sponsor of the toast, said Air llodgens, 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, Mr C.’obbc stated that legislation was not everything, as administration was equally important. Afenibers of Parliament, realising that they were the trustees of the people, were imbued with the highest ideals.

Proposing ilic tonst of' the City of Palmerston North. Mr T. L. Sedclon recalled the progress winch 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-day. Palmerston North had become the largest and best developed inland centre in the Dominion, and Podding did not begrudge her that honour. PLANNING AHEAD. The Mayor, in replying, said it had been computed some years ago that the value of the produce that came into Palmerston North from the surrounding land was .CG.000,000, and that figure must now have considerably increased. These were tacts which had contributed to the rapid development of this city. With the removal of the railway from the centre of the business area there would he 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 Aluin Street, ft would control the type of building to he erected, so that people passing through would not get a false impression of the city, and a recreation ground would he established there. It was hoped to erect a fine civic block in (he 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 city was the envy o£ others in that connection they were looking ahead, and lie was convinced that the council were fully impressed with such a desirability.

The singing of the National Anthem concluded the function.