THE PRESS DELEGATION

Otago Witness, Issue 3353, 19 June 1918, Page 29

THE PRESS DELEGATION

FAREWELL CEREMONY AT AUCKLAND. (Fnojj Oca Owm Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, June 16. A civic reception to the press delegates, which was given at the Town Hall yesterday, was largely attended. The Mayor (Mr J. H. Gunson), in his remarks, wished the members of the party God-speed on the great mission which they havo undertaken—a mission in which every New Zealander was closely interested. After tho war this country would bo taxed to its utmost resources, and it would bo to tho press of the country that tho would lock: for a lead in influencing opinion, in shaping suggestions, and for guidance in dealing with weighty and! difficult problems. New Zealand owed much to its press for what it had stood for in the past—(Applause.)—and they had firm grounds for confidenco in the future. The members of the delegation would therefore carry with them the hearty good wishes of the dominion's citizens on their important mission, together with an earnest hope that they would gather information which would bo of far-reaching value to the dominion on their return.—(Loud applause.) Mr G. Fenwick, who was warmly applauded, expressed the acknowledgments of the delegation at tho generous sentiments expressed bv tho Mayor and of the warmhearted greetings accorded them by tho citizens of Auckland. Ho believed the people of New Zealand realised that the visit was not merely a complimenfcaa'y one, but a recognition of the great services

rendered to the Empire by the dominion in tho present world-struggle. There, was something of deeper significance in tho mission than mere compliment, he felt sure, although none of them at present was able to say in just what respect lay that significance. At tho present time the Prima Ministers and other leading statesmen of tho overseas dominions were assembled in England, and were being told tilings which could' not be published to every citizen of the Empire, and it might bo that to somo lesser extent information would bo furnished to members of the delegation, part of which might be divulged on their return, and part of which might bo of great importance in influencing their future counsel. After making reference to tho Imperial Press Conference which took place in England nine years ago and emphasising the evergrowing sentiment of closer union and greater mutual responsibility between the Homeland and the overseas dominions, Mr Fcnwick again thanked the Mayor and' citizens of Auckland for their very hearty greetings and good wishes, assuring the assemblage that such a God-speed would: remain an ever-present and pleasant recollection with the delegation while it was absent from the dominion.—(Loud applause.)