GOOD WISHES OF PEOPLE

Southland Times, Issue 24039, 1 February 1940, Page 6

GOOD WISHES OF PEOPLE

ARCHBISHOP PANICO WELCOMED REFERENCE TO AFFECTION FOR MR SAVAGE (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 31. At a parliamentary reception to the Papal Legate, Archbishop Panico, this morning, the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) said he could assure his Excellency and his associates that the people of New Zealand could be relied upon to do justice to eminent Catholics who took such a conspicuous part in the spiritual life of the community. He personally had met Archbishop Panico at Auckland two _ years ago and he took great pleasure in renewing that acquaintance and of shaking hands with the personal representative of that great advocate of peace, his Holiness the Pope. “In these days,” Mr Savage added, “we cannot afford to overlook those who are advocates of peace. There are plenty who are doing the other thing. Mr Savage expressed gratification and pleasure at the generosity and kindness shown to him by the people of all faiths during his illness. “I cannot help feeling,” he went on, “that our sojourn on this earth will be judged largely upon how we have treated our neghbour.” “AMONG FRIENDS” The Prime Minister assured the Legate and congress visitors that while they were in New Zealand they were among friends and the prayers and good wishes of all would be with them in the great work in which they were engaged. His Excellency the Legate, in reply, expressed keen and unaffected pleasure at the personal sacrifice made by the Prime Minister in attending the function.

“I know you have not been we lV he went on, addressing Mr Savage, “and I know what it must mean to you and every morning since I have been here I have at Holy Mass offered up my fervent prayers that you may be soon and completely restored to health.” Archbishop Panico was pleased to observe that the obvious love and affection which the people of Auckland had shown the Prime Minister, two years ago, was, equally marked among the people of Wellington. As for himself, not anywhere on his missions abroad in Colombia, in the Argentine, in Czechoslovakia, Germany or the Saar, had he received such a welcome as he had in New Zealand and particularly in Wellington. He was certain the Pope would rejoice at the warmth of this tribute to his personal representative. At the call of the Minister of Health (the Hon. P. Fraser) the gathering accorded the Legate a round of rousing cheers as he left the hall.