WELCOME TO HIGH COMMISSIONER

Southland Times, Issue 23767, 15 March 1939, Page 6

WELCOME TO HIGH COMMISSIONER

MR SAVAGE COMMENDS PERSONAL TOUCH “GREAT DIFFICULTIES AND GREAT ISSUES” (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 14. A State luncheon was tendered today to Sir Harry Batterbee, High Commissioner in New Zealand for the United Kingdom, and Lady Batterbee. The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) presided and the function was attended by Ministers of the Crown, members of Parliament, heads of departments and members of foreign consulates. In extending a welcome to the guests, the Prime Minister said he knew he was speaking in the names of those present when he said they were among friends and that they would feel at home before they were very long nere. Sir Harry Batterbee came to New Zealand at a very interesting time, a time when civilization, one could truthfully say, was in the melting pot. “We are facing great difficulties ana great issues,” said Mr Savage. “It is not sufficient to be able to communicate by cable and by wireless. It is better to meet people face to face and here we have a representative of the British Government in the flesh. We can get anything on paper, but we cannot get the human point of view until we meet the man who is representing the men and women on the other side of the earth. I hope that when he has anything to say he will be able to find the Prime Minister or any other Minister and if he runs out of a job he will be the only man out of work.” They were trying to straighten out their difficulties in New Zealand and who could say they -were not on the threshold of reaching a solution to some of the world’s difficulties? Sir Harry was here to take up a great work and they welcomed him with all their hearts.

In extending thanks for the welcome, Sir Harry said the reception extended to him and his wife was a great encouragement to him. He recalled that his appointment had its origin in a recommendation from the Imperial Conference of 1926. As a result of that recommendation United Kingdom High Commissioners had been appointed in Canada, Australia and South Africa. His functions here would be similar to those of Mr W. J. Jordan at Home and he wished to express his gratitude to Mr Jordan for the kindnesses that had been shown him and his wife in the preparation for their trip to New Zealand.