PRIME MINISTER HOME AGAIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 15 September 1941, Page 2

PRIME MINISTER HOME AGAIN

CIVIC RECEPTION AT AUCKLAND MESSAGE FROM MR CHURCHILL TO NEW ZEALAND

Auckland, Sept. 14. 1 he Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, returned yesterday after a war mission abroad lasting more than four months, during which he visited the Middle East, Britain, America, and Canada. He reached here by Anzac Clipper from San Francisco. First to greet him at the airport as he stepped ashore were Mrs jFraser, Wing Commander Bevan, representing the Governor-General, and the Acting-Prime Minister, Mr Nash. Other present included the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Sir Harry Batterbee, the Minister of Education, Mr Mason, Mr Coates, M.P., and the Mayor of Auckland, Mr Allum. The first act of Mr Fraser was to visit the site of the tomb which is being prepared for his predecessor, the late Mr Savage, at Bastion Point, and to plant a commemorative tree. Mr Fraser was tendered a civic reception in the evening. Fie had no official engagements to-day and left for Wellington to-night. A message from the Prime Minister of Britain, Mr Churchill, to the people of New Zealand was brought back by Mr Fraser. It was as follows: "We in the United Kingdom have been greatly pleased to have you among us in recent weeks and have welcomed the opportunity for a full discussion with you on all aspects of the war during your stay. You have travelled throughout these islands and have seen our shattered cities, but you have seen also that every blow only serves to strengthen the determination of our people. 1 hope you will take back to the people of New Zealand a message of good cheer from this country and let them know how much all of us here are heartened, not only by the valiant aid of your sailors, soldiers and airmen but also by the generous and warm sympathy which has been shown in many ways by all in New Zealand.”