WAR OF LIBERATION

Otago Witness, Issue 3382, 8 January 1919, Page 58

WAR OF LIBERATION

TRIBUTE BY JUGOSLAVS. PRESENTATION TO GENERAL PAU. A presentation to General Pau as a mark of gratitude for what the French people have done for the Jugo-Slavic cause was made at Auckland on Sunday afternoon by delegates of the Jugo-Slavs in New Zealand. In presenting the general with a greenstone kiwi and an ash tray, Mr M. Simich, the leader of the delegates, extended to General Pau heartiest welcome to New Zealand, and congratulated his great country, the French people; the Allies, and the general himself on the great victory achieved over the common foe. In receiving the presentation, Generat Pau thanked the Jugo-Slavs for their welcome, and for the kind thoughts which had prompted the gift. He assured the deputation that he sympathised with their just and noble cause. That sympathy was also shared by the French people, who were standing! for justice and for liberty. The general stated that he had seen their compatriots on the field of battle, and was convinced that they had proved themselves worthy of the liberty of an independent nation.

A solemn High Mass of thanksgiving for the liberation of the Jugo-Slovak and Czecho-Slovak peoples was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday. Dr H. W. Cleary, Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, presided. The church -was suitably decorated for the occasion, and was crowded in every part, a considerable number of Jugo-Slavs being present. The occasional discourse -was preached by Dr Cleary, who briefly outlined the religious history of the Croatian, Dalmatian, and other Slav peoples, the work of the national apostles, Sts. Cyril and Methodius, and pre-war reconditions there. He concluded by asking the Jugo-Slavs present to send to their liberated kinsfolk a message of felicitation from him and his people, and of joy that the day .of the small nations had at last dawned, thanks to the valour, the tears, the blood, and the devastation of gallant little Belgium. Special festal .music was supplied by the choir, and the service concluded with the singing of the "Hallelujah Choru9.",