AT THE ROTARY CLUB

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11432, 31 January 1923, Page 3

AT THE ROTARY CLUB

TRADE RELATIONS MONSIEUR PETREQUIN SPEAKS. Monsieur Petrequin, of the French Commercial Mission, and other visitors were guests of the Rotary Club at luncheon yesterday. Mr A. F. Roberts, who presided, extended the guests a hearty welcome, and said hej thought a greater interchange of views with our allies would do good. He also thanked the French for what they had done for the New Zealand troops who had fought-in the war. He was sure that all New Zealanders were anxious to develop trade with France. Monsieur Petrequin said it gave him and his friends great pleasure to be present with the members of the club on the last day of their visit to a very charming country. It was his privilege to express on behalf of the whole of the members of the mission the feelings of deep gratitude for the fcratment they had received, in New Zealand. They were grateful for the good arrangements made by the Government to enable them to see the country, and to Mr J. W. Collins, of the Industries and Commerce Department, who had been their chaperon. They had seen a great deal. They had been taken to where there was the most wonderful scenery, and they had seen two magnificent harbours. They were sorry they were unable to visit the South Island, which they were told contained beautiful scenery and great industries, but this incomplete visit only made stronger the wish to return. However, with the. magnificent natural harbours of Auckland and Wellington and an agricultural industry that had developed with astonishing rapidity, they thought New Zealanders could be proud of their country. The French felt extremely pleased to greet the New ZeaVindors as their friends. France had still much to do in the commercial arena, and if he was assured that the present visit of the mission would improve the trade relations between New Zealand and France he would regard the visit as a great success. Again he thanked all who had helped them during their tour, and wished New Zealand prosperity.