FRENCH MISSION.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16420, 14 January 1919, Page 7

FRENCH MISSION.

The members of the French Mission are expected to pass through Christchurch this evening on their way North by to-night's ferrj steamer. WELCOME IN DUNEDIN. ILLNESS OF GENERAL PAU. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TSLEBRAM.) DUNEDEN, January 13. At their own request, members of he French Mission spent a quiet day yesterday, all engagements being cancelled. This morning they visited the Roslyn Woollen Mills, and then wenti to Port Chalmers, where they received an addres» of welcome. Afterwards they were tendered a civic lunoheon in] Dunedin. The Mission everywhere received tho warmest welcome. General Pan is* indisposed, and was unable "to attend the functions to-day, and may possibly be unable to travel to-morrow. (special to "the press.") DUNEDIN, January 13. It is expected that General Pau will bo sufficiently recovered to proceed North to-morrow. APPRECIATION OF "HOSPITALITY. Mr H. Holland, Mayor of Christchruch, has received the following, dated last Saturday, from General Pau:— "My Dear Mayor,—-At the moment we are about to leave your city, I deBire to express to you, on behalf of my colleagues, the French Mission's profound gratitude for the cordial and charming reception wo found in Christchurch. Your delightful city appeared to us even more delightful as we were surrounded by an atmos- . phere of friendship which will never go out of our memory. The population, the authorities, vourself first of all, found the most delicate and graceful manner of telling us that France and New Zealand are now friendly for ever. In the name of France, thank you.—l am, my dear Mayor, yours very sincerely, G. PAU, General." 'At last night's meeting of the Ashbarton County Council, a letter was read from General Pau, head of the French Mission, thanking the Mayor ana the residents of Ashburton and district for the hearty reception which the Mission was accorded at Ashburton, and stating that it left in the minds of the Mission the most vivid and pleasant recollections, and that tho atmosphere of sympathy which surrounded them, their hearty cheers, and greetings, con veyed to them; and through them to Franco, a feeling of gratitude which - they were pleased to givo expression to. General Pau wished the Mayoi; to convey to the whole population the sincere thanks of the Mission. '