WARM WELCOME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22584, 24 November 1936, Page 12

WARM WELCOME

HIGH COMMISSIONER MR. JORDAN IN LONDON DISTINGUISHED GATHERING MR. MacDONALD'S SPEECH [FROM OUR OWN CORKKSPONDENT] LONDON, Nov. 4 "Speaking for New /calami, and as a semi-New Zea lander myself, 1. doubt whether, on any occasion, there has assembled at a meeting organised by the New Zealand Society fcucli a distinguished personnel as thero is here to-day." In this maimer did Lord Blodisloc emphasise the warmth of the welcome extended to Mr. W. J. Jordan, New Zealand's new High Commissioner in London, when, with Mrs. Jordan, he was the guest of honour at a luncheon given by the, society at the Savoy Hotel on November 2. The Leader of the House of Lords, Lord Halifax, the High Commissioners for all the sister Dominions, Mr. Malcolm Mac Donald, Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, people outstanding in tho fields of diplomacy, commerce, industry and politics, together with many noted New Zealanders, were among those present. Lord Bledisloe, who was accompanied by Lady Bledisloe, was in the chair. Ellerslie Racecourse "I have known Mr. Jordan for a number of years, but there are only two tilings about him that I will mention," said Lord Blodisloc before asking Air. Mac Donald to propose the only tost, that of the now High Commissioner. "He represents in Parliament tho most beautiful racecourse in the Empire, Ellerslie. I advise anybody \isiting New Zealand to go there to see its beautiful gardens. Air. Jordan, I believe, is also a great authority upon bees. It is one of the reasons why honeyed words flow from his mouth," added Lord Bledisloe with mild gaiety. Of Air. Mac Donald he had one criticism to make: That it was almost time for him to find a wife! "A Most Lovely Country" Air. AfacDonald began by praising New Zealand. Those people who had seen it, lie said, must always think of it as one of the most beautiful countries on the face of the earth. After tracing Air. Jordan's rise in New Zealand, Mr. AfacDonald continued: "So after that experience, which few men have equalled, he comes to start a new stage in his fascinating career. The post of High Commissioner becomes almost every month more and more responsible. One of the redeeming features of the present international situation is the fact that the Dominions are playing a greater part in international affairs. Great Britain is not alone when she throws her weight on the side of world peace. All the Dominions are separate members of tho League of Nations, and almost all of them arc young, vigorous countries, animated by the highest ideals. I believe that if we nations in this Commonwealth of Nations can co-operate in the pursuit of our ideals in international affairs wo can play a decisive part in maintaining the peace of the world. Truly Democratic Career

"Mr. Jordan lias a part to play in that. He has just assumed, in addition to his many other duties, a post which none of his predecessors has filled. Ho yts as the representative of New Zealand on the Council of the League. His career is one we all admire. It is one which must give all true British democrats a feeling of just pride. He has won high office on account of no advantage except the qualities of his own head and his own character. He is a man of shrewd intelligence with a delightful sense of humour, a man of high principle and a man with a great heart. "Another great asset whom lie has brought to London with him is his very charming New Zealand wife. (Applause.) If ever I have the time to take advantage of the hint offered me by Lord Bledisloe 1 can assure you that, after my experience in London to-da\, 1 shall go to New Zealand to act upon it." (Laughter.) Offers of Assistance

Mr. Jordan was greeted with sustained applause when he rose to replyAfter thanking the society and the speakers for their welcome he went On: "One finds oneself in many different positions as liie goes 011, but 1 find myself in a position now which is indescribable. 1 am most grateful to you all. I must say that at one. point I was a little nervous —when Lord Bledisloe mentioned that he was going to say two things about me. 1 was wondering what he knew. (Laughter.) It was a jrreat relief when 1 learnt what those two things were, because, having been 1.3 years in politics, 1 know that there are many things which have been said —which are said of all politicians—and there are many things that you hope will not bo said when you arc fighting an election. 1 was relieved, after Lord Werlisloe's residence in our country, that he did not say all lie knew." (Renewed laughter.) Mr. Jordan said he was especially grateful for the friendship shown by the High Commissioners of the other Dominions. All of them had been to sec him and had offered to assist him in any matter on which he was not quite clear. He also thanked Sir James Parr, who had been most anxious that he should be comfortable when taking over office, and Mr. F. T. Sandford, permanent head of the staff at New Zealand House. "Our" Duties

"I find that with the friendship of the staff wo, not I, shall bo able to carry out the duties that have boon entrusted to us in a manner that should bo satisfactory to the people whom wo represent. As Mr. MacDonaid said, little did i think 32 years ago, when 1 attended the office of the Agent General for New Zealand in Victoria Street, to inquire about an assisted passago to New Zealand, that some day I should bo welcomed back bv Secretaries of State and by Lord Bledisloe in the position in which I find myself to-day. 1 feel grateful not only for the opportunities which our Dominion offered, but grateful to our Creator that 1 have boon able to take advantage of thoso opportunities." Mi'. Jordan paid a tribute to the work that Lord and Lady Bledisloe had done for New Zea landers. "They endeared themselves in the hearts of our people, for they were always helpful and interested in what we were doing. We were sorry to see them go, but a welcome awaits them all the while."

The High Commissioner also thanked Mr. MacDonnld for his reference to ■Mrs. Jordan. "If I had done nothing else but to go to New Zealand to meet Mrs. Jordan it would have been worth while," ho declared amidst applause. "Wo have boon good chums all the way and throughout the times when 1 have boon stung in any way, there has always been a salve for the swelling and a little encouragement—which Mr. Malcolm Mac Donald knows not of. (Laughter.).