IN HONOUR OF FRANCE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3137, 16 July 1917, Page 6

IN HONOUR OF FRANCE

TRICOLOUR AND UNION JACK FRENCH SOLDIERS GUESTS OF THE CITY French soldiers who aro at present in Wellington were the guests of Honour at a gathering iu the Town Hall on Saturday morning in celebration of the French .National iolc Day, the anniversary ef the tall of the Bastille. The scene was ono of unusual interest.. M'hcs hall and platform luul been decorated with the tlags of the Allies, tho French Tricolour and tlio Union Jack being draped side by side on the stage. Tho French scldiers, who included some of tue heroes of Verdun, formed a group in the trout of the hall. On the platform were the Mayor of Wellington (11 r. J. 1 , . J.uke, C.li.U.), Sir Joseph Ward, Sir James Allen, the Frenca Consul (Mr. Jumes Macintosh), Captain Barclay (president of tho French Club), Mr. J. Hutchison, and representatives of tho Legislature and of the City Council. There vus a fairly largo crowd of citizens. After tne "Marseillaise" and the Kational Anthem had been played by Mr. Bernard Page on the organ, the Mayor apologised for the absence of tho J'nmo Minister (Right Hon. W. F. Masseyj, w.'.a had been detained on important public business.

The Mantle of Democracy. Mr. Luke said that the significance of tho fall of the liastillo was being appreciated in tho wnole world to-day. Tho French nation, 128 years ago that tiay, had jounupcl the death-kuell uf autocracy, and had opened the way for the full development of freedom and justice. It was fur tli ■ maintenance cf that ''-«!- doin and justice they were now ii?htini;. France had still a republican form of government, while the British lived under a constitutional monarch who was beloved anil respected by his people. Tho aims of the two nations were the Bi'Uie— national and individual freedom, and tho peaceful development of hie world. Mr. Luko added that tho war had created a bond between New Zealand end France. New Zealand .-oldwrs had fought and died on French soil, aiid many Now Zealand people to-day had sons and brothers who were being eared for and succoured by the civilians of France. (Applause.) The French soldiers who were present that day had dono tiieir share of. fighting, but if the war continued sorao of them might be found back in tho trenches pushing forward to victory sido by 3id« with New Zealand's troops. (Applause.) Sir. Luk welcomed the representatives of the French Arm,'.

Speech by Sir Joseph Ward. Sir Joseph AVard,. who spoke on behalf of the National Government, said tl.at it was a very great pleasure to .urn to join in celebrating the French l'ete Lay. During his visit to France he had spoken with a distinguished French General, who had assured him that without any doubt victory was going to crown tho aims of tho Allied nations. Tho sons of Franco had been in tho forefront ot battle throughout the war. ihe record of the French Army would bear comparison with the army of any other nation. During the years before tho war it had been said in some quarters that Germany, with its enormous mid ruthtless preparations for war, '..ould be able to overrun France. It was d'ie to the extreme prowess, bravery, nnd determination of the French troops that theso predictions had been, falsified. Tho democratic nations would not f<rget in

the future that the determination of the French people to remain free had made it possible for the world to obtain a peace that would bo worth the sacrifices made. He was sure that New Zealand would stand by gallant Franco and her own Motherland to the end. (Applause.) ' "The men of France," said Sir James Allen, "know what they'won when they gained their freedom, and they remember how parts of their country have been stolen from them. They will fight to restore the stolen lands." He added that New Zealand was especially interested in French soldiers, s'nee the French were neighbours in tho Pacific. It might happen some time in the future that tho freedom of .the Pacifis would have to be defended, and I'rance and New Zealand would stand side by side with the friendship formed in tho war and cemented more strongly each day. Addresses in French. Captain Barclay and Mr. Hutchison spoke to the soldiers in French, assuring them that their patriotism and their sacrifices were known and appreciated by the people of New Zealand. The glory of France, said Captain Barclay, was a glory that would abide for ever, end become more and more brilliant in the mirror o£ sacrifice. The French Consul (Mr. J. Macintosh) thanked the Mayor, for the kindness shown to the French visitors, and expressed this appreciation of tho day's demonstration, in honour of I'rance. Subsequently the French quests were entertained at the Town Hall by the Mayoress and members of her committee.