FRENCH CRUISER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22976, 2 March 1938, Page 14

FRENCH CRUISER

OFFICERS WELCOMED RECEPTION AT TOWN HALL "New Zealand and your beloved France have much in common," said the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, in welcoming Captain Paul Auphan and officers of the French cruiser Jeanne d'Arc at a gathering at the Town Hall yesterday afternoon. There were present members of the Auckland City Council, members of the Consular Corps and representative citizens. Sir Ernest said the nationals of the two countries had fought side by side in the interests of liberty and justice and for the preservation of those ideals and institutions which were so sacred to both. New Zealanders would always be grateful to the French for their part in the Great War and for the guidance the Allied Forces received from the great Marshal Foch. Remarking that the Jeanne d'Arc was cruising around the world carrying 120 midshipmen, Captain Auphan said they wanted these young men to visit the nations and meet the people who had fought on their side during the war and whose wish was now, as was theirs, to reach an ideal of peace and social progress. He felt, therefore, that something would have been missed on this cruise if they had not planned to make a stop in the largest city of New Zealand. This beautiful city was one that could not be forgotten. He was glad to be able to say that the officers of the Tourville, whom he had met before leaving France, still took great pleasure in remembering their call at Auckland nine years ago. Captain Auphan extended hearty wishes for the continued friendship of New Zealand and France and the prosperity of Auckland and its inhabitants. The visitors were entertained at afternoon tea.

SPORTS AND CONCERT ENTERTAINMENT OF MEN Members of the complement of the French cruiser Jeanne d'Arc were entertained in Auckland yesterday under arrangements mado by the Missions to Seamen. A sightseeing tour was conducted in the morning and an Association football match played against; the Royal Naval Training Department at tho naval base resulted in a win for the visitors. A very popular concert arranged by Miss Mavis Wade was held last night at the Seamen's Institute. French and British seamen were present, the hall being filled to capacity. The visitors were welcomed by tho Rev. H. E!. Vickery, port chaplain, A basketball match will be played at tho naval base this evening and tonight midshipmen from the Jeanne d'Arc mil hold ft fencing contest with the Auckland Swords Club representatives.