MR. EDEN SAYS GOOSBYE

Chronicle (Levin), 15 February 1949, Page 6

MR. EDEN SAYS GOOSBYE

Press Association)

New Zealanders Are A Fortunate People

• (Per

ACCii.nAND, Feb. 14. A message of g'oodwill to the' people of New Zealand and of thanks for the kindness that had been shown to liini during his visit, was given by Mr. Anthony Eden, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the llouse of Commons, tonight. Accompanied by' Commauder A. H. P; Noble, M.P., Mr." Eden wilJ leave in the morning. by fiyingboat for iiustralia. "New Zeal4ndefs are, deservedly fortunate people," said Mr. Eden. ' ' Evory country has its pfoblems, of course, but vou have i'ewer than most. tCivon the character of vour j^eople, you ha've every reason to feel steady confidenee in the future. ' ' I have been much impressed by what I have seen of your farms and farmers uotli in the North Island and in the South. Your colleges such as Lincoln College and Massey Gollege, appear to be working on modern and essentially practical lines. "In time I hope you will be able to take some more folks from Ilonie, " said Mr. Eden. "It is difficult in a short stay to see many of those wlio have recently come from Home to join you but" although opinions naturaily vary, reports given to me were on tne whole most encouraging. The Royal Air Force men who ' are attachad to your Air Force, seem particuiarly pleased with their lot. "I knoiv you are( anxious to inCrease your production of foodstuil's and we would also like to send you more manufactured goods," he said. " It may be that tor such increased -production you will feel that you can welcome the help of some of those at Home who vvant to come out to you. Admittedly this invoives problems of housing, fcspecially on the land, but I have no doubt that ni time you will overcome these difliculties. "What is truly amazing today, is progress you liave made in just 100 years of lil'e," said Mr. Eden. "Jt. is 1 almost a miracle with such a record beliind vou and with tljie splendid qualities of your people you can surely go ahead with all confidencq. ' ' L have been received with .indriite kindness wherever I have beeik.'lt would be foolish to pretend as a regutt | of a few days' travelling about Ttlie : country, that one could niako any but'l •the most tentativ-e obsea'vations but this is certaiii, nothing coufd- h(iye excccdcd the'vvarmth of your 'wplcon^i everyvvliere. I slmll can'y.,ba'ck. with niu to • the Old Cobntry^imessage of ablding afl'ection from New- ^qA/la^id. T^ij-tO you,. goodbye and thank^ou ex:p'erterice of wai-m-heafted ^^^nesfe which, I shall neyer forget. 'Y6h made . me feel at home frpni the first hour. 1 pray for your country 's good 1'ortynfe . and.I'.look forward'-'to the day hVhc'ji i - nWy-54»e'et vou again. II -yot all." . ' ' ■ ra •