WARM PRAISE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21560, 24 January 1940, Page 6

WARM PRAISE

Dominion’s Gallant Part In War Sound And Solid For Empire By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, January 23. The gallant part already played by New Zealand in the present war was mentioned by the Marquess of Willingdon at a State lun?heon to-day in honour of the United Kingdom and Australian Governments at the Centennial celebrations. The function, over which the Hon. F. Fraser presided, was attended by a distinguished gathering which included Ministers of the Crown, members of both Houses of the Legislature, representatives of the judiciary, armed forces, State departments, industry and trade, professions and the church. The visitors were accorded an enthusiastic reception. After the loyal toast had been honoured, that of the guests, the Marquess and Marchioness of Willingdon and Senator P. A. M. Mcßride and Mrs Mcßride, was proposed by Mr Fraser. New Zealand, he said, arrived at its Centennial with the good will of every part of the British Commonwealth of Nations. They came representing the British Government at a time when it was more necessary than ever that the nations of the British Commonwealth should feel their interdependence in defending the principles and institutions they all held dear. In extending a welcome also to Senator and Mrs Mcßride, Mr Fraser referred to the advantages that would accrue from the trans-Tasman air service, which it was hoped would soon be an accomplished fact. He emphasised also the benefit to be gained from personal contact by Ministers in the settlement of trade and allied difficulties. Empire’s Response Loud and prolonged applause was given when Lord Willingdon rose to speak. He said he was proud to give the people of this country warmest greetings from the Government of the United Kingdom and his fellowcountrymen and wish them every success with their Centen- ir.l celebrations and in their future lives. Everywhere they had been received with the greatest kindness and consideration by all classes of people. The thrill of Empire service same to his mind when it went back to the four years of the Great War when he was in India as Governor of Bombay, and he thought of the magnificent response of the whole of the Commonwealth of Nations to th' call of the Old Country. The last 25 years had been years of constant unrest, unsettlement and anxiety. He thought no man in the world had made more heroic efforts than the Prime Minister of England, but he found he could put no trust in the assurances of Hitler and now once again the Empire was plunged into what he hoped would not be the Great War once again. He was thrilled and c’plighted at the response of th* Commonwealth of Nations to the call c: the Motherland in its hour of need. “We. along with France, are standing solidly to fight forces of evil,” said Lord Willingdon. New Zealand, Lord Willingdon continued, had played a gallant part in the present struggle, which had so far been mainly on and in the air. It was an epic victory that had been won over the Graf Spee and the Achilles, with a great number of New Zealand men aboard, had a great share in securing that victory. “The Old Country is doing its full part in this war and never have I seen such | complete unanimity an; determination I by all classes to see the war through,’’ said Lord Willingdon. “I have never seen the principle of compulsory service so readily accepted by almost every individual party in our country. When I return to the Old Country shall tell m” friends that New Zealand, as ever before, is sound and solid for helping the British Empire and that it is absolutely determined to make victory secure for the Allies and. after this war Is over, to bring peace and contentment in the world.” Australia’s Contribution

Senator Mcßride thanked the New Zealand Government for the invitation extended to the Prime Minister of Australia, the Rt. Hon. R. G. Menzies, to visit the Centennial celebrations. Mr Menzies, who had asked him to express the deepest regret for hi inability to visit the Dominion at present, hoped to make a visit in the near future. Senator Mcßride referred to the value of personal contacts between Ministers of the two countries. Referring to the war effort in Australia, he said the Commonwealth had undertaken t* make a substantial contribution in the way of munitions and equipment. Australia believed that Great Britain and her Allies would emerge victorious, and already it was planning so that men would be rehabilitated in industry at the earliest possible moment after peace.