LABOUR’S ENVOY AT HOME

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20504, 24 August 1936, Page 6

LABOUR’S ENVOY AT HOME

WELCOME TO HIGH COMMISSIONER RETURN TO FAMILIAR SCENES United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright LONDON, August 21. A crowd of 100 in addition to Mr Batterbee, and Sir James Parr and other officials welcomed Mr W. J. Jordan at Waterloo station. The whole street turned out to treet him. Later in the morning, when he visited his 84 year old mother at Harringay, in north London. Mr Jordan was affected by the warmth of the welcome. Interviewed by the Associated Press, Mr Jordar attributed it to Britain’s goodwill towards New Zealand, and admiration for the Government's policy. Welcomed in Village Hundreds of neighbours hung over the fences when Mr Jordan greeted his mother in the front garden. His mother told the Associated Press correspondent that she was ever so proud to see her only boy come home as High Commissioner. While press uhotographers were busy, his mother, who had prepared dinner called: “Come along, dinner's ready.” Mr Jordan replied: “That’s just like old times.” He took his mother’s arm and entered the house. Early Impressions. Mr Jordan deeply impressed representatives of the London press, whom he received at his hotel. He delighted his audience with tales of police duty in Limehouse. He said New Zealand earnestly seeks Britain’s co-operation in the efforts to make the Dominion contented and prosperous. New Zealand desires to extend trade to Britain, and to invite the British people to settle in New Zealand. He believed the time had come when migration can be resumed but the present population must first be employed. New Zealand supports collective security anc considers that the peaceful progress of the world can be achieved only through a properly organised League of Nations. New Zealand, if elected to the League Council, would do all in her power to further League principles. Mr Jordan plans to visit the United Kingdom outposts in connection with trade expansion. First Busy Morning. Mr Jordan spent a busy morning receiving official callers. He will accompany Sir James Parr to Geneva, after which he intends to travel extensively in Britain, inspecting marketing conditions. His mother may also go to Geneva if her health permits. Mr Jordan confessed he was very excited at the prospect of looking up his old friends next week, including the postal workers at Mount Pleasant, where he was once employed. Faith in Labour. Interviewed by “The Manchester Guardian” he said he was certain the Labour Government in New Zealand would not go out in our lifetime. All were now confident, it could be relied on to develop its programme on political lines. If another election were held, its majority would be increased. “The Manchester Guardian” describes Mr Jordan as a fine figure of a man, with a sense of humour and genial dignity, which will be most appropriate to the ceremonies during the coronation year.