CIVIC RECEPTION TO NOTED ENGLISHMAN

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 135, 10 June 1939, Page 9

CIVIC RECEPTION TO NOTED ENGLISHMAN

Sir Harry Batterbee In Palmerston North

HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR UNITED KINGDOM

There was a large and representative assemblage of Palmerston North citizens in the Council Chambers yesterday when a civic reception was accorded Sir Harry Batterbee, Britain's first High Commissioner in New Zealand, who opens the National Dairy Show today. In addition, there were present local body representatives from Feilding and neighbouring counties. “It affords me a very great deal or pleasure, as well as being a privilege, to extend to you, on behalf of the citizens of Palmerston North, a very warm welcome indeed,” said the Mayor (Mr. !A. E. Mansford) to the distinguished visitor. “You are not altogether a ' stranger to our city, having visited it ion two previous occasion, one of which was when you accompanied their most I gracious Majesties the King and Queen when they toured this Dominion in 1927 'as the Duke and Duchess of York.” | Sir Harry had, prior to coming to New Zealand, a long association with | the Dominions, during which time he ' had held some very important and responsible offices, included in which was ' that of assistant secretary of the ■ Dominions, which no doubt brought him into close touch with many New Zea- ! landers and gave him an opportunity to show those many kindnesses referred to by the High Commissioner for New Zealand, Mr. Jordan, just prior to Sir Harry's departure for New Zealand, tho Mayor added. “We consider this Dominion very fortunate indeed and rejoice that the Motherland has chosen one so eminently fitted to be the first High Commissioner appointed. We hope your stay in this Dominion will be one of pleasure to yourself and Lady Batterbee, who, we all regret, is, through indisposition, unable to accompany you on this visit, and w e all hope she will be speedily restored to good health. We do hope that your appointment as High Commissioner will be the means of greater and better trading relations being set up between the exporters and importers of this Dominion, and that Great Britain and the bonds of Empire will be further strengthened by your residence in this Dominion, for, after all, we New Zealanders and members of the United Kingdom have a common origin, a common history, a common language, a common love of ilberty and law, ties which were further cemented, if that were possible, during those fateful years j 1914-1918. This Dominion, as one of the members of tho British Commonwealth, realises only too well that we as partners either go up together or down together, and I want to assure you that the citizens of this city, in common with all New Zealanders, have their gaze fixed steadfastly toward the horizon and their efforts directed toward a grander and greater British Commonwealth of Nations,"'the Mayor concluded.

In Footsteps of Pioneers Following the Mayor, Mr. J. Hodgens, M.P., spoke, trusting that the stay of their guests in New Zealand would be a happy one. Sir Harry was pioneering the way for a greater understanding in trade relationships between New Zealand and the Motherland, and so he could, be likened to those brave people who first opened up New Zealand's wilderness. That was fewer than 100 years ago, but in Mauawatu hardly 60 years had passed since the pioneers tackled the undergrowth and bush which covered the district. Mr. Hodgens said Sir Harry come to foster trade relations and in that respect there could bo no one-way trade. The Motherland had been the best customer New Zealand had and during the past year the Dominion, with the exception of the United States of America, had been the best buyer from the Old Country of all countries of the world. That was a line thing to be able to say, especially when one remembered that the Dominion's pioneers came here fostering a spirit of love for the Mother Country. Mr. Hodgens hoped Sir Harry's stay in New Zealand would be a congenial one. R.S.A. Welcome Extending a welcome on behalf of the Returned Soldiers' Association, of which he holds Dominion office, Mr. B. J. Jacobs said no invitation to attend a civic welcome had been accepted with greater pleasure. The large majority of ex-servicemen at some period of their active service had been fortunate enough to reach the shores of Great Britain and such occasions as the present one supplied the opportunity to voice an expression of appreciation of the wonderful kindnesses shown them. Mr. Jacobs referred to the fact that New Zealand treated its returned soldiers more generously and sympathetically than did the Home Government, and the R.S.A. had endeavoured to remove some of the anomalies as far as cx-Imperial soldiers in New Zealand were concerned. However, he would like Sir Harry to make some inquiry into the position of those men with the view of adjusting some of the difficulties. He hoped Sir Harry's sojourn in New Zealand would be the most happy period of their lives. Mr. K. A. Henderson extended a welcome on behalf of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce, stating that at this period of industrial expansion and overseas trade difficulties there could be no more important visitor to Palmerston North than Sir Harry. Mr. Henderson hoped this would be the first of many visits of Sir Harry to Palmerston North. City Has Developed Greatly Sir Harry returned thanks for the heartiness of the welcome accorded him and the encouraging words spoken. He also valued the kind things said about Lady Batterbee, who was sorry she could not come to Palmerston North owing to indisposition. They had both been greatly moved by the welcomes received everywhere in New Zealand, knowing that they were expressions of love and affection for the Home Land. This was his third visit to the Dominion, the last time he was here being 12 years ago as a member of the staff of the Duke and Duchess of York, who were now King and Queen. He would never forget the scenes of enthusiasm which had greeted them all over New Zealand and he still retained vivid memories of the visit to Palmerston North. Ho recalled that they had been delayed at

the railway station in the morning because of the enthusiasm of the crowd. When their Majesties had invited him to Sandringham just before, he left for New Zealand the King and Queen hud talked much about their visit to New Zealand and had asked him to tell the people that they retained the happiest of memories of their visit. He felt, therefore, that he had come back under the happiest of auspices. When he drove into Palmerston North yesterday morning he had noticed the development that had taken place—he had hardly recognised the city as the same place. It seemed to have trebled in size. Not only was Palmerston North a centre of the dairying industry which was the backbone of the commercial prosperity of the country, but also an industrial city and centre of communication. And as air communication developed, it would become more important still. The town was going to be more on the map than ever. Here as Ambassador Speaking of his own work while in New Zealand, Sir Harry stated that in addition to the Governmental function of being an additional channel between the two countries, he was to perform the equally important function of being an ambassador of Great Britain in this land; of being the interpreter of the thought, feelings and aspirations of one to the other and to make each of the two countries feel what the other was thinking, planning and desiring. He was here to improve the co-operation between the two lands, and never was there a time when the co-operation of all British peoples, their determination to assist and help each other, more needed. He could not fulfil that portion of his function, however, unless he visited all parts of the Dominion and got to know all sections of the population and their activities, whether engaged in agriculture, commerce or trade. It was important for him to get an impression of the possibilities and future of New Zealand, and he could not do that by sitting in his office at Wellington. Therefore, he was glad to come to Palmerston North, which was famous throughout the Empire through its development over the past years. He regarded the invitation to open the "Winter Show as an honour of some magnitude. He also hoped that this visit would be the forerunner of many more arid that Lady Batterbee would be with •him next time. Guest at Luncheon Following the reception, Sir Harry was the guest of the Mayor and Council at luncheon at the Rosco rooms, where there was an equally large assembly of citizens and representatives of institutions and local bodies in and outside the city. The Mayor presided. The loyal toast honoured, the Mayor proposed that of the chief guest and referred to the fact that the Empire was on the threshold of a new order following on the remarkable changes that had occurred in Europe. Problems faced the Empire that would have to be solved and if they were not tackled then they deserved nothing but the contempt of posterity. Great Britain, through Sir Harry, was trying to understand some of the problems of New Zealand, with the endeavour to try to arrive at a satisfactory solution, and it was through the commercial relations of the British Commonwealth of Nations that inspiartion would be given to the rest of the world. If they strove to contribute to the happiness of man-

kind tlicj would be troudiug the path way that led to prosperity. He hoped Sir Harry would forge a bond of gympatliy which would further increase the trade between Great Britain and New Zealand. Discussions Desired Replying to the toast, Sir Harry congratulated the city ou its growth. It had been laid out in such fashion that its future prosperity was assured. It was a healthy sign to see ia New Zealand so many towns of importance and that the Dominion’s commerce was not concentrated in just one or two. Competion was a good thing, but he felt sure Palmerston North had nothiug to fear from competition and that it would set an example to other towns. In connection with his appointment, there were bound to be questions to be adjusted between New Zealand and Great Britain, even though they stood close together. The only way to solve them was through friendly discussions, which was the British way. To tackle these problems properly he had to get to know the farmers, retailers, business men, bankers and all others, and he hoped the people of New Zealand would regard him as one of themselves. Air. M. A. Eliott, in proposing the toast of “The Parliament of New Zealand,” recalled the names of past Prime Ministers and the establishment of the first Parliament in 1854. All had made integrity a keynote and worked essen tially in the interests of the people. The life of a Parliamentarian called for unremitting work and that applied particularly to the leaders whose lives had possibly been shortened by their selfsacrificing work. So long as Parliament carried on with high ideals New Zealand need have no misgivings. Hon. J. G. Cobbe and Mr. J. Hodgens replied to the toast and they extended to Air. Eliott congratulations on being elected chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board. Mr. Hodgens referred to the achievements of past Govern inents some of the measures setting a lead for other countries of the world. Mr. Cobbe spoke of the high ideals demanded of a member of Parliament. FeUding’g Praise Air. T. L. feeddon Alayor of Feilding, proposed the toast of “The City of Palmerston North,” and said that viewed relatively in its own setting, Palme i - ston North thoroughly deserved tho designation of city. Mr. Seddon paid tribute to the foresight and energy of the pioneers and the wise and careful administration of those who had guided its destinies. Feilding did not begrudge Palmerston North its prosperity, born of more fortunate circumstances* The Alayor replied and said the City Council had as its aspirations measures that would make for the further progress and welfare of the city. These included new civic buildings and more land for recreational purposes.