STATE LUNCHEON

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20109, 16 May 1935, Page 14

STATE LUNCHEON

VISITORS FROM JAPAN ENTERTAINED

CORDIAL RELATIONS By Telegrapn—Press Association WELLINGTON, May 15. Rear-Admiral Nakamura and other officers of the Japanese cruisers at present in port were the guests of the Government at a state luncheon at Parliament House to-day. Proposing the toast of “Our Guests,” the acting-Prime Minister (Hon. E. A. Ransom) said that His Imperial Japanese Majesty’s ships were no strangers to New Zealand waters or to their memories. “No one in New Zealand had forgotten the association of Japan with the British Empire during the Great War. They were proud to recollect that when the main body of the first Expeditionary Force left the shores of New Zealand the Ibuki assisted In escorting them.” The periodical visits to the Dominion of Japanese training squadrons were a source of very real pleasure to the people of New Zealand. Though Japan and New Zealand were separated by many thousands of miles of ocean, their commercial relations nevertheless were close and increasing. Each country had need of the products of the other, and their trading relations were still governed by a special arrangement which had been in force since 1928. It was his earnest hope that trade between the two countries would be fostered and developed. Responding. Rear-Admiral Nakamura said it was a great pleasure to be invited to such a cordial luncheon. He was in Wellington in 1924 as Flag - Commander of the training squadron under Vice-Admiral Saitos. The warm hospitality accorded by the authorities i and citizens at that time was still fresh in his memory. On arriving this morning he marvelled at the rapid progress of the country. New Zealand and Japan had been connected by the Anglo-Japanese alliance. At the emergency of the Great War the two navies co-operated splendidly. Since then they had never heard even of minor trouble between the countries, and friendly relations had been maintained. The intimacy between the two countries was based upon mutual understanding, and their good understanding was deepened through their acquaintances. If the present visit of the squadron contributed to the stronger friendship of the two nations he would be greatly satisfied. He proposed the health of the acting-Prime Minister and the prosperity of the. Dominion.