THROUGH THE DAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19762, 13 April 1926, Page 10

THROUGH THE DAY.

NAVAL OFFICERS CALL. SIR HENRY BARWELL ENTERTAINED. A BUSY SESSION.

With the adae3 attraction of the sunshine and summer heat, visitors were numerous at the Exhibition yesterday morning and hundreds of "school children were conducted through the courts. In the Australian Court Queensland’s commissioner, Mr H. W. Mobsby, lectured entertaingly to a special class of visiting children, while woodwork and cookery classes were demonstrated in the Education court. Preparations were being made in the offices of the court for tne arrival of no fewer than 700 children, who will see the sights of Logan Park this week. Next week a similar number will be the guests of e Education Court Committee. As soon as the Amusements Park opened it became noticeable that the reduced price? hau increased the popularity of the big Scenic Railway to a great extent, and the flying cars made many trips during the afternoon and evening. Whether the halving of the prices will result in the desired doubling of the number of patrons is a problem that future days will solve, but it was evident that visitors appreciated the decision of the directors. At mid-day the visiting naval officers returned the call paid on their arrival in Dunedin by the chairman of Exhibition directors, Mr J. Sutherland Ross. Representative directors and overseas commissioners assembled in the British Court reception room, where they met and ■welcomed Commodore A. F. Beal, C.M.G., Captain J. S. M. Ritchie, and LieutenantPaymaster R. F. Pink. On Thursday the visiting officers will be entertained T>y the directors. The evening was one of the most delightful since the Exhibition opened. The visiting crowds moved through the grounds in the warm air, seeking the outdoors the band and the Amusements Park— rather than the heated interiors of the pavilions. At 9 p.m. Senator Sir Henry Barwell, the first member of -the Australian Federal Cabinet to officially visit the Exhibition, was entertained by the directors headed by the chairman, Mr J. Sutherland Ross. There were present members of the Exhibition directorate, together with provincial and overseas commissioners, his Worship the Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley), Mr Henry Bell-Irving, of Vancouver. Sir Alexander Matheson, one ot the first Commonwealth Senators for Western Australia, Mr Edward Stevens, of Messrs Henry Berry and Co., Melbourne, Mr James Hogg, president of the Manufacturers' Association, ana Mr F. M. Shortt, president of the Chamber of Commerce. In welcoming the guests Mr Sutherland Ross said that the Exhibition had been honoured by few Australians, but their fine calibre had made up for paucity of numbers. Australia had given a very good show in her court and it had been hoped that the visitors from across the Tasman would have been larger in numbers, but it was a particular pleasure to greet a representative of the Government, Senator Sir Henry Bat-well. He was not new to exhibition work, as he had been one of the Australian Commissioners at Wembley, where invaluable w-ork was done by those representing the Commonwealth Sir Alexander Matheson was also an ex-mcmbcr of the Australian Government, and was more particularly connected with Western Australia which he represented on the first Federal The speaker also offered a cordial welcome to Mr Bell-Irving. . . “If it had not been for tne participation of the dominions the Exhibition w-ould have been shorn of a great deal of its glorv,” he concluded. “The early entry of the Imperial Government w - as a great lever to the colonies. Australia was rather slow, hut when the decision was made she came in wholeheartedly.” , * THE MAYORAL WELCOME. In adding to the welcome, the Mayor said it was fitting that Australia should send a member of the Federal Government to pay an official visit to the Exhioition. He extended a hearty and cordial welcome on behalf of the Dunedin citizens, and in doing so would take the opportunity of saying how exceedingly grateful they all were to the Australian Government for the very fine display that had been given. There was a wonderful opportunity offered by the Exhibition to improve trade relations between Australia and New Zealand—there were great possibilities that could be extended and the reciprocal tariff could be improved. In conclusion Mr Tapley paid a tribute to the work of the Commissioners, Captain W. L. Smallhorn and Mr H. W. Mobsby. Australia was indeed fortunate in having such ambassadors. . ‘T hope” he added, “that your visit will impress noon you all the possibilities of trade between the various countries ot the Empire to which you belong, and New Zealand.” HIGH HOPES REALISED. “I can thoroughly endorse all that has been said, and on ‘behalf of the overseas rommissioners would like to express our deep appreciation of Sir Henry Harwell s visit,” said the Hon. R. Boyd. Fiji s representative. “We are fortunate in having him at the Exhibition and delighted to know that he has found time to come to Dunedin and see in the courts what we have beer, able to do. The Exhibition was commenced with high hones and great enthusiasm. and I think that I am \oicmg the opinion of all in saying that many of these hopes have been realised. In spite t what has been said about the paucity ot Australian visitors, wo have had such men os Mr Clive Macpherson and the visit of Sir Ht-nry marks another red-letter i.v on the Exhibition calendar. THE SENATOR’S REPLY. “To s*y I .am pleased to be in New Zealand, delighted at my welcome in Dunedin, *•»" overwhelmed with the hospitality of *1». is J '~ express my feelings in a very mOd manner,” commenced Sir Henry Barwell. “It is the first time I have ever Teen through the Dominion. I came with pleasurable anticipation, as 1 knew it was a country famous for its s>-.r,-,ery and tourist resorts. I knew its good laws nnc. round Government, end what attracted me more than anything was its patriotism and loyalty to the Empire. , , ’“I have found that the half has not been told.. lam charmed with the countryit baa altogether exceeded my anticipations.

and I am overwhelmed with the hospitality i have received from the Prime Minister down to the humblest citizen.” In explaining his reasons for visiting the Exhibition. Sir Henry said that he had decided to visit New Zealand for private business reason?, intending to go to Auckland. When the Prime Minister of Australia knew of his coming he asked him to extend his visit to Wellington, there to discuss matters relating to New Zealand and Australia with Mr Coates, md afterwards visit Dunedin. Mr Bruce had been pleased at the cordial invitation to visit the Exhibition before its close, but had been quite unable to make the trip. He had told the speaker to take every opportunity of assuring the people of New Zealand that the utmost goodwill existed for them in Australia. IMPERIAL SENTIMENT. “Australia and New Zealand are bound by the strongest ties of Imperial sentiment,”. continued Sir Henry, “and I want to contradict something that has lately appeared in the press—a statement that Australia is not as patriotic as are other parts of the Empire. Australia seems to be getting the name of being opposed to Imnerialism. That is entirely incorrect, and Imperial sentiment is just as strong as in New Zealand.” “The hands that bind the two countries can be strengthened by the material bonds of closer trade relationship. A great deal more could he done than is being done at present. There exists a trade treaty, but I am satisfied that the time has come when reciorocnl trade relationship might well be reviewed. I believe that if this is done a far greater volume of trade will result. “The Exhibition should do a great deal in that direction. I marvel at what has been accomplished here in such a _ small community, and sincerely hope that jt will lead to closer trade > relationship with’all parts of the Empire. Every influence that helps to bind the ties of Empire is an influence for good—an influence for peace. Our great aim must be Empire unity, not only for ourselves, but for the happiness of the world.” THE EXHIBITION EULOGISED. A hearty endorsement of all that the previous speaker had said about the Exhibition was given by Sir Alexander Matheson. • “With all my experience of exhibitions,” lie said, “I have never seen one so beautifully arranged.” Mr Bell-Irving also replied,, and said that his visit to New Zealand, which was the first, had far surpassed his expectations. He was amazed at the extent and beauty of the Exhibition. His visit had added interest, and he ■ had particular pleasure in being present that evening for drawing tighter the bonds of Empire had been his hobby and creed for 25 years.