FREEDOM CRUSADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23574, 7 February 1940, Page 12

FREEDOM CRUSADE

NEW ZEALAND ENGAGED NOBLE PAST EMPHASISED FIT FOR PRESENT TASK t.i r ; ■ I ,'. . LONDON,. Feb. 5 "New Zealand will crown her first century with a crusade for' right and freedom which will make her achievements still more memorable," said Major-General Sir Frederick Sykes at the Centennial reception held at the headquarters of the Royal Empire Society..," ... The High Commissioner,- Mr. W. J. Jordan, and Mrs. Jordan and Sir Frederick ;ahd : Lady Syk'es received a great company of guests, who appreciated a display of New Zealand films. Sir Frederick gave a review of New Zealand's history and recalled New Zealanders' yalour in the Great War and their " peace-time accomplishments.Referririg to relations between Euro- - peans and Maoris in New Zealand, Sir Frederick said: "To-day, when racial hatred is preached and racial persecution has' reached new standards of frightfulness, there is a shining example in New Zealand of how two utterly different races can live side beside in perfect friendship and mutual advantage. Here is a striking disproof of the Nazi theory of exploitation." Sir Frederick paid a tribute to New Zealand for her contribution to modern civilisation and the bold spirit of experiment" which, he said, had animated her leaders and legislators from the time of Richard Seddoft onward. New Zealand's past, said Sir [Frederick," nobly fitted her for the great tasks in the present. There was nothing /nore certain than that New Zealand would be crowned with fresh laurels in the coming struggle by her Bailors, soldiers and airmen. Mr. Jordan, in reply, said New Zealand had been built on the foundation of a Christian settlement and had taken; her place in the affairs of the Empire and the nations of the world. Reviewing the material progress of the Dominion, the High Commissioner quoted figures dealing with her exports to Britain, and described her war, efforts, He expressed New Zealand's pride at the showing of the Achilles in the battle with the Admiral Graf Spee. Iho Royal Empire Society Rent a message' of congratulation to "tlie Governor-General and the Prime Minister of-the Dominion. 1