Cruiser “Jeanne d’Arc”

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 47, 25 February 1938, Page 12

Cruiser “Jeanne d’Ar c”

OFFICERS AND MIDSHIPMEN VISIT PALMERSTON NORTH A party of officers and midshipmen from the French cruiser Jeanne d’Arc vsited Palmerston North yesterday and were entertained at a civic luncheon. All the visitors had at their disposal sufficient knowledge of the English language to make themselves understood and on only few occasions was conversation momentarily halted for the loss of a word. They showed interest in our city and its rapid growth, the scenic attractions of New Zealand and the Maori race. Among the visiting party were Caps- - do Vaisseau Auphan, Capitaine de Fregate Archambeaud, M. Genieur de Jeui Maritime Chevalier, Medecin Principal Fougerat, Ingenieur Meehanicien Lambert, Lieutenants Colerier, Molenat, Cagne, Duclos, Ingenieur Meehanicien Cluchier, Sous-Lieutenant Fontanelle, and six midshipmen. Messrs. C. A. Furlong and W. A. Quirke, members of the staff of the Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, accompanied the party. The chair was occupied by Mr. A. E. Mansford (Mayor of Palmerston North), and those associated with him at the principal table were Mr. J. Hodgens, M.P., Cr. D. Collis (chairman of the Kairanga County Council) and Mr. B. J. Jacobs (president of the Palmerston North branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association). There were also present Crs. G. Tremaine, W. B. Cameron and J. J. Stevenson (members of the Palmerston North City Council), Messrs. D. Smillie (president of Milson Aerodrome, Incorporated), H. E. Edmunds (president of the Middle Districts Aero Club), and Mr. J. R. Hardie (town clerk). "To the King” and “To the President and Republic of France” were the toasts proposed by the Mayor, Mr. A. E. Mansford. Then, in proposing the toast “Our Visitors,” he made reference to the part played by the French in the Great War and their kindness and hospitality to our men while in France. He recalled the early influence the French had on New Zealand history with Baron de Thierry’s proclamation of his own kingship, the passing of Captain d’Urville’s ship through French Pass and the naming of d’Urville Island after the commander. A French naval party had been in Palmerston North two years ago, which added further pleasure to the present visit. The bonds of friendship formed by soldiers and sailors in 1914-18 were not made through opportunity—they were of the strongest steel which would last down the ages. These bonds should be made stronger, not for the purposes of war, but the preservation of peace. The speaker concluded by hoping the visitors would enjoy their visit to New

Zealand and to Palmerston North. Mr. Hodge ns said the Jeanne d’Arc was cruising in the South Pacific, where French ships had been many years ago. Ho referred to the fact that Bishop Pompallier, £, Frenchman, had founded the Catholic Church in New Zealand, the centenary of which he and the Prime Minisuer, Mr. J. Savage, would be able to attend in the next few days in Auckland. The speaker mentioned the support of the French people for the League of Nations Union, whose purpose is to cause of peace. The New Zealand High Commissioner, Mr. W. J. Jordan, had .spoken of this co-operation in his periodi c reports to the New Zealand Government. So happy, sincere and nice had been the reception the speaker had attended on the Jeanne d’Arc in Wellington on Wednesday, he hoped every minute the visitors spent in New Zealand would be as happy. Mr. Hodge ns concluded by saying that many Now Zealanders had remained France —killed in the war. France was indeed “mothering the bones of those young New Zealanders.” Mr. Collis aded his welcome and referred to the interest the visitors had taken in the Maori race. On behalf of the Kairanga, County Council he extended a very warm welcome to Captain Auphan and the other members of the party. Mr. Jacobs said he welcomed the viistors to Palmerston North in particular as the Hon. W. Perry, as president of the New 2lealand Returned Soldiers’ Association hud already welcomed them to New Zealand. He hoped that they would have such a good time in New Zealand that all previous memories would bo obliterated and memories of the visit remain paramount in their minds. In lighter vein reference was made to the marriage of numbers of New Zealand soldiers to French women. The speaker expressed the wish that all the visitors would take away very pleasant thoughts; of their stay in the Dominion. Mr. Mansford then presented Captain Auphan with a framed photograph of the Square as a memento of the visit, and the visitors’ health was drunk with musical honours. “A French x>roverb says, ‘Words are of silver, but silence is gold’; I do not believe entirely in this proverb, although it stands as a convenient excuse, for sold: ers like men who are not orators,” said Captain Auphan. “I believe that words also are of gold when spoken from the depth of one’s heart, as those you have pronounced, and as the ones I am saying to you now. With all my heart, indeed, I thank you for what you have so kindly expressed and for the welcome you are giving me and my officers. “As you know, the cruiser of which I am in command is sailing around the world, with the new generation of officers in our navy. Such a voyage allows the whole world to be a field for their refections; also they get in touch with the people who stood on our side during the War, and who, like France, actually want to live in peace and to be able to raise humanity to the level of a generous idea; that is why our round-the-world cruise had to include a visit to New Zealand. “I have an inquisitive mind, and before coming into your lovely city of Palmerston North I have read books relating to your country; also looked over statistics. I understand Palmerston North to be among many cities in New Zealand the one which has had the highest percentage of increase for the past few years. I congratulate you, and I will ask my comrades of the French Navy to stand and drink to the prosperity of Palmerston North, and the health of its Mayor, its member of Parliament, its aldermen, its inhabitants and all here present, and the long friendship of Franco and New Zealand. You may be sure that France will not forget.” The toast was drunk and the party concluded after the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Prior to the; party’s return to Wellington yesterday afternoon it was intended to take the Frenchmen for a drive round the city, visiting Massey College and Milson Aerodrome if time permitted, and entertain them at afternoon tea.