THE ARGENTINE

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12146, 25 May 1925, Page 3

THE ARGENTINE

INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY “THE DAY WE CELEBRATE.” To a “New Zealand Times” reporter Mr Humberto Bidone, Consul-General in New Zealand for the Argentine Republic said: — “On Monday, May 25th, the Argentine Republic is celebrating the anniversary of its independence, the political, commercial and historical significance of which in its relation to South America and the world is without doubt not understood by those who have not followed closely the evolution cf that nation. It was on May 2oth. of 1810, that out of the storm of political passions and grasping personal interests there arose a strong feeling which took possession of a handful of Argentine heroes who drove Cisuero, Viceroy of Spain, from power, and proclaimed to the world that a new and glorious nation had been born. “The progress of the Argentine Republic in all branches of human activities shows that out of the depths of a prehistoric civilisation has arisen a new one clothed with Europeau culture and with South American environs. “By the wise direction of its institutions of government hv seers and patriots, and by having efficiently defended its inviolable sovereignty, the Argentine lias come into prominence in international relationships. Over the plains of, this country where all races meet, where all languages are spoken, and where all religions are professed, floats the blue and white flag under whoso folds is to he found a kindly home for the oppressed of the world. ‘Tb is with great pleasure that I would say to the people of New Zealand, in justice to an historical fact, that England was the first of the European nations to recognise our independence, and that British investments, to-day, in Argentine cannot bo much less than a thousand millions sterling. Tho commercial trade between Great Britain and the Argentine last yeai (1924) readied £106.293.805 sterling. 7