H.— 40

4

and the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, P.C., the heartiest of welcomes. When, immediately after the outbreak of war, I called together the New-Zealanders in London for the purpose of forming an association, a policy was then laid down which has been, in the main, steadily maintained. The intention was that we should keep in touch with every sick and wounded soldier arriving in this country, to help them in various ways, and, speaking personally, to keep in touch with their relatives overseas. It can be seen from what has been enumerated that we have faithfully carried out the work we set ourselves to do. By your presence with us to-day you obtain, as it were, the atmosphere of our undertakings, and you. come into contact with all that we are doing and endeavouring to do. As to the remark that names have not been mentioned—and I still speak as chairman of the association—l think it is only right and proper that the names of the chairmen and secretaries of the different committees which have been doing such splendid work should be given. As there is a good deal to be seen about the building I will not delay you further, but will conclude by again extending the heartiest welcome and expressing our good wishes to you both. Mr. Massey, who was loudly applauded, expressed his great pleasure at meeting so many New Zealand friends, and said that he felt as much at home as if he were addressing an audience in New Zealand. He had come to London to deal with many important affairs, some of which were not yet completed, but, which he hoped would be completed before his departure; but he had always determined, no matter how pressing the claims of public business might be, to find time to visit the Executive Committee of the New Zealand War Contingent Association. He was well aware of the value and importance of the work it was engaged upon. He had seen a large number of New Zealand soldiers both here and in France, and he had heard on all sides nothing but praise for the assistance that had been given so freely and ungrudgingly by the members of the association. He complimented the chairman on the account he had given, of the association's activities, and said he would like to see Lord Plunket's speech printed and circulated in New Zealand, or, if the finances of the association would not justify the printing, he suggested that he should be furnished with a copy, which he undertook to lay on the table of the House of Representatives, and so secure its publication as a parliamentary paper. In that way a record would be kept of the work done by the New Zealand War Contingent Association during the present very serious crisis. He thought that the people of New Zealand, through Parliament, would be ready to recognize the work of the association. He concluded by thanking those present for their cordial reception, and said that since their arrival in England he and Sir Joseph Ward had received nothing but kindness and consideration. Sir Joseph Ward, who was also warmly received, said that he was very pleased to be present and to meet the members of the Executive Committee. He endorsed the appreciative remarks made by Mr. Massey regarding the work of the association, and thanked the committee and the numerous workers who had devoted themselves to ameliorating the sufferings of sick and wounded New-Zealanders. He felt sure that what had been done in. this respect was recognized in the Dominion, and would receive further recognition as the particulars of their work became more widely known. He was one of those who was forced to the conclusion that the war would not terminate shortly, and his recent visit to France confirmed that belief. If this were right, it meant that, unfortunately, the activities of the association would not cease for some considerable time. He was impressed by the figures quoted by Lord Plunket regarding the ratio of administrative expenses compared with the gross expenditure, while the salary and wages expenditure was extremely moderate; in fact, the administration generally was a great credit to those concerned. He was sure that the association would carry on the good work it was doing as long as the necessity lasted, and he felt that the Parliament and Government of New Zealand would see that the association was not stinted for the necessary funds.

Copy of Letter from Brigadier-General Richardson, C.M.G., Officer Commanding N.Z. Troops in England, to the New Zealand War Contingent Association. Headquarters, N.Z. Expeditionary Force, U.K., 8 Southampton Row, London, 21st December, 1916. The Secretary, N.Z. War Contingent Association. I would like to express my gratitude to the War Contingent Association for their kindness to the N.Z.E.F. in England during the past year. We all recognize how strenuous have been the efforts of the members of the association to help our men. These efforts have not been in vain. You have afforded pleasure to thousands of New Zealand boys. Your work cannot be recognized by honours and rewards, but it may afford you satisfaction in the knowledge that your work is appreciated not only by the military authorities, but by the men themselves and by their relatives. You have filled a gap which military organization does not provide for, and you have done so with great success. My best wishes and the wishes of officers and men of the N.Z.E.F. are extended to the War Contingent Association for a happy Christmas and a happy New Year. Yours sincerely, Geo. S. Richardson, Brigadier-General.

Approximate Cost of Paper.- Preparation, not given ; printing (800 copies), £_.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l7.

Price 3d.]