ALLENBY SPENDS 11 BUSY HOURS IN AUCKLAND

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17756, 28 January 1926, Page 11

ALLENBY SPENDS 11 BUSY HOURS IN AUCKLAND

memorable scenes at civic reception,

JEWS PRAISE LIBERATOR OF PALESTINE. T-er Press Association. Lord Allenby’s stay of eleven Lours tu Auckland was extremely busy. From the arrival of the Ulimaroa he was engaged with official calls and receiving a t Government House. Representatives of the Jewish comof Auckland waited upon him paid their tribute to the liberator Ralestine. The Rev S. A. Goldstein sa»d that as minister to the Auckland Hebrew congregation, and in the name of the Zionists in the Dominion, he deemed it a great pleasure to offer personally their tribute of respect and admiration to Lord Allenby. who had composed the prelude to the Balfour declaration. His association with the Hebrew University, both at the laying of the foundation stone and at the opening, and his sympathetic interest ln M ie .movement, had endeared him to Zionists throughout the world. In a new chapter of Jewish history which the declaration had opened his name would shine with distinction. Mrs David Nathan, on behalf of the Jewish women of New Zealand, also voiced their tribute. She referred particularly to the establishment by New Zealand women of infant welfare centres in Palestine on the Plunket system. THE ZIONIST MOVEMENT. Lord Allenby, in reply, stated that it gave him pleasure to be of service to the British Empire, but it was a greater privilege to have been the liberator of Jerusalem. He knew personally.. and was a great admirer of, the leader of the Zionist movement, Dr C. Weizmann. After the capture of Jerusalem Dr Weizmann had unfokled to him his plans for the development of Palestine, following the issue of the Balfour declaration. He had remarked at the time that he considered Dr Weizmann’s plans were somewhat idealistic and visionary. but at the opening of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, at which he and Lady Allenby were present, he had had the pleasure and privilege of renewing his friendship with Dr Weizmann and congratulated him on the fact that not only had his original plans been realised but even exceeded. He referred in detail to the wonderful development of Palestine, and particularly the amazing growth of the Jewish city of Telaviv. Where formerly had existed only a few sand dunes there had grown up in the space of a few years a city of 30,000 inhabitants, with modern buildings that would compare more than favourably with those of older cities. The progress of , the past six years would be doubled and even trebled in the next few years. The Balfour declaration, which was now part of the policy of the British Empire, had been endorsed by all the world Powers. The future of Zionism was absolutely assured. The scene at the civic reception was memorable, the Town Hall concert chamber being packed. As Viscount and Viscountess Allenby appeared on the platform they were accorded loud and prolonged applause. In introducing Lord and Lady Allenby to the audience and welcoming them to Auckland, the Mayor (Mr G. Baildon) said the city of Auckland had on occasions been privileged to welcome within its gates illustrious representatives of the Empire’s Navy and Army, amongst whom in this connection occurred to him the names of , Lord Jellicoe and Lord Kitchener, but it was the first time, he thought, that Auckland had had the pleasure to extend a most cordial welcome to a FieldMarshal of the Army. (Applause.) Mr Austin Carr, president of the Auckland Returned Soldiers’ Association, also extended a warm welcome. The moral of any force depended upon the man at its head. When Lord Allenby went to Palestine the Army was sadly in need of many necessary things, chiefly aeroplanes and artillery, but they soon came after the visitor took command. (Applause.) “ 1 well remember the feeling of confidence that went through our ranks when Lord Allenby came to inspect us,"’ said Colonel M’Carrol, but I can tell you that while he came to inspect us he was very much inspected himself.” (Laughter.) Lord Allenby’s visit recalled the great victories of Palestine, nights of hard riding, and times of worry, but all hardships were forgotten in the splendid results that were the crowning feature of the campaign.

Lord Allenby, who was greeted with loud cheers when he rose to reply, resumed his seat amidst thunderous applause. When it had subsided three rousing cheers were given for Lord and Lady Allenby. and the gathering concluded with the singing of “ For They Are Joliy Good Fellows” and the National Anthem. Lord and Lady Allenby left for Wellington by train to-night.