LINK WITH MOTHER COUNTRY

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 144, 14 March 1939, Page 10

LINK WITH MOTHER COUNTRY

Sir Harry Batterbee’s Mission CIVIC RECEPTION “We are proud that we are going to be citizens of your beautiful city,” said Sir Harry Batterbee, High Commissioner for Great Britain in New Zealand, when speaking at a civic reception accorded him and Lady Batterbee in the council chamber of the Wellington Town Hall yesterday. Sir Harry said he was looking forward to seeing the progress of the Centennial Exhibition buildings in Rongotai. He was hopeful that the British pavilion would play a part in making the exhibition a great success, which he was sure it was going to be.

The mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, presided, and among those present were the Deputy-Leader of the Government, .Mr. Fraser, Sir Hubert Ostler, Mr. Justice Blair and Mr. Justice Smith. The mayor said it was his privilege to extend a most cordial welcome to Sir Harry and Lady Batterbee. He was sure they would realize, as they met tlie people of 'Wellington from time to time, as they walked in tlie streets in the glory of the sunlight, and as they ascended the hills which surrounded tlie city and breathed in the glorious air, that they had come among a community which welcomed them with, the most kindly of feelings. The knowledge Sir Harry had gained on earlier visits to New Zealand, as well as his outstanding qualities, peculiarly lifted him for the office he had been called upon to till and the tasks he would have to perforin. His presence in New Zealand would ensure personal contact between this country and Great Britain.

September Crisis Recalled.

“I am sure, Sir Harry, you will agree with me that there is nothing more essential to bind together the different parts' of the British, Commonwealth of Nations, nothing more essential to bring about understanding between the nations, than personal contact between tlie leaders of the different countries,” said Mr. Hislop. “That fact cannot be better illustrated than by the steps’that were taken to bring about personal contact by the British Prime Minister during the crisis last year.” Mr. Hislop said it was appropriate that Sir Harry and Lady Batterbee had. arrived in New Zealand iii time to participate in the centennial celebrations. The British; Government was taking a keen interest in the exhibition, and there was at present being erected the British court. Government’s Welcome. Mr. Fraser said the Government was very pleased to be able to welcome to New Zealand the direct representative of His Majesty’s Government in Great Britain. The desirability of extending the new link in Imperial communications had become very apparent to New Zealand, and it was impossible to overstress the advantages of personal contact with a representative of the British Government in the important, intricate and delicate matters which came up for consideration almost daily. It required no imagination ou the part of any citizen to grasp the fact that during the crisis in September last there were important communications coming hourly from the United. Kingdom in an endeavour to keep New Zealand 'and the other Dominions correctly and intimately informed, said Mr. Fraser. It would be an added advantage to have someone who understood the various problems and could interpret more intimately the communications that came to hand. That was the important function Sir Harry had been called upon to discharge in New’ Zealand..

Mr. Fraser added that the Government hoped Sir Harry and Lady Batterbee would have a very pleasant time in New Zealand, and also looked forward to benefiting greatly from the very extensive knowledge which Sir Harry possessed. “Entirely At Home.’’ . Sir Harry Batterbee, replying, said Lady Batterbee and he appreciated the welcome extended to them in AVellington, and elsewhere, more than they could possibly say. They were already being made to feel entirely at home. Their welcome, they knew, had as its origin the affection felt in New Zealand for the Mother Country. During his previous visits he had formed many friendships and these he hoped to renew. Before his departure from England he bad been graciously received by Their Majesties the King and Queen both of whom had recalled many happy memories of their visit to this Dominion.

Sir Harry said that, as the mayor and .Air. Fraser had pointed out, the purpose of his appointment was to provide an additional link between the United Kingdom and New Zealand to supplement the information which came through official channels and to establish personal contacts between the two Governments. In a word, his mission was to be the interpreter of the mind of one Government to the other. That should not be difficult, seeing they were so close together in outlook and ideals. CALL ON MR. SAVAGE State Luncheon Today Tlie High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in New Zealand, Sir Harry Batterbee, made an official call yesterday on the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage. A Stale luncheon will lie given today in honour of Sir Harry and Lady Batterbee.