TOURING SCHOOLBOYS.

Thames Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 17586, 27 March 1929, Page 5

TOURING SCHOOLBOYS.

FAREWELL AT HAMILTON. A CIVIC RECEPTION. IMPRESSIONS OF DOMINION. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) HAMILTON, Maron 27. A civic reception was accorded the •.touring English public school'boys at Hamilton to-day. The head of the party, Mr J. R. Darling, in replying to the Mayor's speech, said this would be his last opportunity of speaking in New Zealand. He wished to thank the Government and the Prime Minister, who had given every assistance; also the Publicity and Private services of the Internal Department, who had accompanied the visitors, which was deeply appreciated. He also -thanked the secretaries of the Public Schoolboys' Association. The party had been impressed by the kindness of their individual hosts and the people generally, as well as the official hospitality. After reviewing the objects of the tour as in previous speeches it would be asked how far it had succeeded. The boys' interests were naturally diverse, and 100 per cent, interest in various matters was impossible, but the boys had been thoroughly happy and were interested In most things.

Perhaps in New Zealand it was unnecessary' to emphasise the Imperial, ibonds of union, still the visit might Have awakened feelings. of mutual interest and pride in the British race, *md also strengthened the friendship of the people of Britain and New Zealand to one another. He felt it inevitable that the tour would result Indirectly to the benefit of New Zealand, as members of the party, being greatly impressed, would spread the knowledge of New Zealand among large influential circles. Anyhow, from his point of view, the boys' tour had been, an unqualified success.

Seeing how the resources of the Do- - minion had been developed in so short period he had been gratified to feel that this was the work of the British people. The party had been greatly impressed with the contentment of New Zealanders, which certainly was not to be wondered at. Mr Darling concluded with a fur--■fcher expression of thanks to the people • -of New Zealand as a whole. He ask--«d the Press Association to send the "following message:

','Please convey to all papers of New Zealand the gratitude of the English School Boys on tour for the very ample treatment and help given to our party."