PANAMA EXPOSITION COMMISSIONERS.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14830, 22 November 1913, Page 8

PANAMA EXPOSITION COMMISSIONERS.

A MAYORAL RECEPTION

In accordance with the- stated programme a civic reception was tendered to the Commissioners of. the PanamaPacific Exposition in the City Council Chambers yesterday. Tho attendance of ■ the citizens was not large,' owing to the shortness.of the notice given and the stress of oublic affairs at present, but the welcome was hearty and genuine.

His Worship the Mayor introduced and welcomed the Commission in the name of- tho citizens of Christchurch. Hβ briefly explained the Commission's objects and expressed tfie wish that the mission of tho visitors woald be a success. Tho Americans md the British represented the two greatest nations on the earth, and if they could combine could shape tho destinies of tho world. Ho extended-the heartiest and most Gordial welcome to the visitors, and hoped their stay in Chris-church would be pleasant and prosperous. ■ Ex-Governor Alva Adams said they felt that they had received a welcome that they could hardly expect. Looking into the faces of those present he felt that he was looking into the faces of friends. He sincerely hoped that the prediction of the Mayor's regarding the amalgamation of the great AngloSaxon races would soon be brought to pass, for it would be for 'he-welfare of the - civilised world. Though New Zealand was small, she need not imagine that she was uninfiuential, for some of tho smallest nations in the world had made the greatest marks ii: history, and he had no doubt that New Zealand would _be worthy of the Anglo-Saxon traditions. He expressed his sincere appreciation of the courtesy that had been accorded to them, and hoped that it would be returned fri some small manner when the New Zealandcrs went over to San Francisco.

Major S. A. Cloman joined with his chief in tho sentiments he had expressed and in the appreciation of the welcome extended to them. New Zealand had had a hand in the construction of the Panama Canal, though they might not be aware of the fact. The authorities there had fed 65,000 men on Australasian meat and butter, and good stuff it had been found. This was an important fact, for one o f the causes of the French fail.ure /as that they tried to allow the negro workmen to feed themselves, and the consequence was that the negroes just bought a few bananas and kept the money, or else gambled it away. The Americans insisted on the' men being well fed and having at least two meat meals per day, and they found that it paid, for they got far more work out of the men and they were happier. Mr T. G. Stallsmith gave a brief d& scription of tho site of tie Exposition, which had been described liv the French Commission as the most ideal site that they had ever seen. Th& speaker also spoke of the arrangements made for tho exhibits, on the lines of the speeches made before the Chamber" of Commerce on Thursday night. They hoped the people of Nevr Zealand would put up a New Zealand pavilion where New Zealand visitors could meet and have tea and \be socjable, and he also hoped that New Zealand would send the best display of its products that could possibly be got together. Mr O'Neil Sevier briefly proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor, who responded with proposing the health of the visitors.

During the forenoon the Commissioners were driven round the town and suburbs to get some idea of ""Christ' church and its environs und later were entertained to lunch by Mr E. G. Staveley on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce at the Canterbury Club. The visitors left by the boat for Wellington last night.