FRENCH SLOOP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22714, 28 April 1937, Page 13

FRENCH SLOOP

STATE LUNCHEON

BONDS BETWEEN COUNTRIES

WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND

Bonds between France and New Zealand were emphasised by the Minister of Justice, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, who presided at a Government luncheon in honour of the visit of the French sloop Rigault do Genouilly, held at the Grand Hotel yesterday. The luncheon was attended by Commander Leon Moron and a number of his officers. The guests included the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. Ernest Davis; Commander C. B. Tinlcv, officer in charge of the Devonport Naval Base; Colonel B. Miles, officer commanding the Northern Command; Wing-Commander the Hon. K. A. Cochrane, Chief of the Air Staff; Mr. C. G. Macindoe, chairman of the. Auckland Harbour Board; and other representatives of the Government and various local bodies and organisations. A Common Bond "This is a very happy occasion indeed." Mr. Mason said, in proposing the toast of the guests. He referred to the excellent relations that had been created by previous visits of French warships to New Zealand, and hoped that the officers and crew of the latest visitor would enjoy themselves thoroughly. On behalf of the Government Mr. Mason extended a cordial welcome to the visitors. "'We have a great bond with the French people, a bond due to the recent war, and we have an association with France in that thousands of our men lie buried in that country," the Minister concluded. "I think it is better to speak broken English than good French," said Commander Moron, in replying to the toast. He thanked the Government for the welcome given through Mr. Mason, and the people of Auckland for the cordial reception the ship's company had received. Hope for More Visits "Mr. Mason referred to the common service in the last war, and to the fact that a lot of New Zealanders are in our fields; we look after them," Commander Moron added. He said that when he visited the War Memorial on Monday, on behalf of the French people, he was silent before the dead, and hoped that it would not be necessary to fight again. Commander Moron concluded by expressing the hope that French ships would visit New Zealand more frequently, and asked the company to drink to the prosperity of New Zealand and the Empire. Other toasts honoured were those of the King and the President of the French Bepublic. ENTERTAINMENTS ASHORE OFFICERS AND CREW DINNER ON THE SLOOP The commander and officers of the French sloop Bigault de Genouilly were guests at a Government luncheon at the Grand Hotel yesterday, and in the evening a dinner was given on board the sloop by Commander Leon Moron. The guests included BearAdmiral the Hon. E. R. Drummond, the Minister of Justice, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. Ernest Davis, Mr. C. G. Macindoe, chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, Sir George Richardson, Colonel R. Miles, officer commanding the Northern Command, SquadronLeader M. W. Buckley, officer commanding the Hobsonville Air Base, Mr. C. H. T. Palmer, president of the Auckland branch of the Navy League, the Rev. H. K. Vickery, port chaplain, and M. Edouard Joubert, Consul for France. A party of 30 petty officers and men ■were taken for a motor-trip round the city and suburbs yesterday afternoon, the outing being arranged by the Flying Angel Missions to Seamen. Particular interest was taken in the War Memorial Museum. The missions entertained 60 men last night, when an entertainment was given by the Tres Bon Club, and a dance was organised bv the Harbour Lights Guild. * The Riga lilt de Genouilly will dock this morning, and later Commander Moron and Rear-Admiral Drummond will exchange official calls. RearAdmiral Drummond will entertain Commander Moron and four of his officers to luncheon on H.M.S. Achilles, and in the evening there will be a dinner at the Grand Hotel, given hy M. Joubert. A dance organised by the Devonport sub-branch of the Navy League will be held at Devonport to-night, when the guests will include 60 petty officers and men. In addition to the other programme of entertainments, arrangements have been made for a Soccer match to be played between a French team and a team from H.M.S. Wellington at the naval dockI yard to-morrow.