FRENCH MISSION.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16419, 13 January 1919, Page 7

FRENCH MISSION.

DEPARTURE FROM CHRISTCHURCH. ' Tho members of the French Mission, left Cliristchurch for Dunedin by the 8.45 express on Saturday morning. Thoro was no formal farewell, . but heartv cheers were aooorded the Frenchmen "from the several hundred ]>eople present» as the train left tho station. Their carriage was placed at the rear of the train «vs an observation car. WELCOMED AT TIMARU AND OAMARU. (PRESS ASSOCIATION' TELEGRAMS.) TDLARU, January 11. A verv large crowd greeted General Pau anil the members of the French Mission on their arrival from the north. On a platform erected outside tho station speeches of welcomo were delivered bv the Mavor, the Hon. T. M. A\ lltord aiid Mr J.'Craigie, M.P. General Pau j-eplied. The proceedings lasted about) 10 minutes, and wero characterised by the greatest enthusiasm. OAMARU, January 11. The French Mission had a great ovation during a short stay. The express train was met by a largo gathering of the public, and tho Mayor extended a welcome. General Pau replied in terms similar to those expressed elsewhere. REPLY TO RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION. The Christchurch Returned Soldiers' Association, which sent a letter of welcome to the members of tho French Mission on their arrival hero, havo received a warm reply from General Pau. The letter, which is addressed to tho president and members of the Association, reads as follows:— "My Dear l'rionds, — "We were much touched By the warm expressions of welcome which you have, sent the members of the FVenclr Mission on tho occasion of their visit) to Christchurch. We deeply appreciate your kindness, and ask you to accept! our sincere thanks. It is almost unnecessary to toll you that wo share your feelings regarding tho ovents of tho past four years, and wo felt honoured when the glad tidings of victory wero sent forth that wo wero In the Dominions of tho British Empire, and! wero able personally to take part in the rejoicings. Tho valour of Great Britain's overaea itroops is well known in France, with whoso sons you and your bravo comrades havo fought shoulder to shoulder. Wo mourn tho loss oil somo of our best and bravest comrades, but now that the terrible conflict is over and a lasting peace is in sight, wo •can feel thnt tho war has not been altogether without result. A lasting brotherhood has been established between, the French and tho British soldier, and! in tho course of our journeys through Australia and .New Zealand it has been* a source of great satisfaction to lis to learn of the mutual esteem w'hich exists between tho people of France and the people of the British Dominions. The warm welcome of your oountrymen has gone direct to our hearts, and our visiti to Now Zealand shall for over live in, our memories. We felt when we had spent a few hours on your shores that the main object of our Mission the establishment of a true friendship l>etween tho peoples of France and NunZealand, was already achieved. "I am, Yours very sincerelv, "G. PAU, "Genora!," ARRIVAL AT DUNEDIN. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TEIiEGRAM.) "4 DUNEDIN, January ]2. General Pau and the other members of tho French Mission arrived last evening, and <rero acoorded an enthusiastic reception by large crowds at the railway station and in tho streots. The party worn conveyed in motor-cars to the Octagon Hall, where they were tendered a civic welcome. Tho speakers were the Mayor of Dunedin nnd Air George Fenwick, and General Pau replied on the lines of addresses given by him in other centres. The city was gny with bunting. To-d/ar the party rested.