FATED FRIENDS

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21051, 1 March 1940, Page 6

FATED FRIENDS

DOMINION AND JAPAN CONSUL’S FARTING MESSAGE HAPPY MEMORIES TAKEN (By Telegraph.—Prr«s Association' WELLINGTON. Friday Mr K. Gunji, Consul-Genei’al for Japan, before leaving Wellington yesterday to take un a new appointment in Honolulu, issued the following statement to the press:— “Now that the time has come for us to say goodbye to our many friends and acquaintances, Mrs Gunji and I desire to express our deepest regret at leaving the shores of this truly beautiful country, where our somewhat brief soioum marked a period of ineffable pleasure to us. We are about to depart from a land ; where uniform courtesy and kindness have been extended us on alf sides. The people of New Zealand displayed a spontaneity of friendli- ; ness and politeness which is indel- j ibly impressed upon us. Our little ! sons also farmed warm comradeships with many New Zealand boys which they will always remember. Came With Set Purpose “On my arrival in New Zealand about 22 months ago I thought my term would be for the duration of about three years, but unfortunately I have been called away far sooner than I expected. As the first Con-sul-General for Japan in New Zealand, I came here with the set purpose of establishing sincere friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries. Both Japan and New Zealand are confronted with many difficulties incidental to their respective international situations. Nevertheless I feel satisfied there is now a far better understanding with relation to each other. I want to stress the point that as neighbours New Zealand and Japan are fated to be good friends, each with its particular problems having to work out its own destiny in its respective sphere. We are not only good neighbours, but are so conditioned that we should be able to agree to reciprocal relations of mutual benefit. Fortunate People “For myself, I can say it shall ever be my endeavour to do whatever lies in my power to further the friendship between the two countries. New i Zealanders are fortunate in the pos- ! session of a land of amazing product - ivity and enormous natural re- * sources. The people display prodigious energy, coupled with the emj ployment of the most modern | scientific methods in exploiting their wonderful endowments. ( “As I take my leave, my farewell j message to the good people of this : Dominion embodies the sincere wish j for much happiness and prosperity. We carry with us memories of many happy associations —the enduring recollections of which will always be a source of pleasure to Mrs Gunji and myselfJ* ..