FRANCE AND N.Z.

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 86, 28 April 1937, Page 13

FRANCE AND N.Z.

• Presp AasofiiiffoTJ.i

^ommon Bonds of Friendship FRENCH SHIP WELCOMED

(By Telecrraph-

AUCKLAND, Last Night. .The common bonds between thei peoples of France and New Zealand! were reviewed by the Minister oi Justiee (Hon. H, G. R. Mason) wko i presided at the Government luncheon inhomrur of the visit of tke French sloop Bigault de Genouilly field at tfie Grand HoteL The luncfieon was attended by Commander Leon Moron and a number oi fiis oftlcera. "I want to say tfiis is a very fiappy oecasion indeed," Mr. Mason said in. proposing tfie toast oi tfie guesta. He reierred to tfie excellent relatioUs that •had been ereated by previous visits oi 'French warships to New Zealand and fioped the oflicers and crew oi thei latest visitor would enjoy tfiemselves thoroughly. "I am eure that in the briei time they have here they will see a little of our country and that it will bring them pieaeure," the Minister continued. "It is very different from their own country, but it is full Of interest we are told, and I am sure that the pride that Frdnchmen feel iu the beauties oi their otvn country will make them appreciate more completely the contrasting ieatnres of tfiis land." On befialf of the Government, Mr. Mason extended a cdrdial welcome to tfie visitors. "We fiave a great bond with the French people, a bond due to the recent war, and we have an association With FranCe in that thousands oi cur men leit their bon4s in that country," the Minister concluded. "I think it is better to speak broken English than good French," said Commander Moron in replying .to th* toast. He thanked the Government for ifche reeeption given through Mr. Mason. Commander Moron concluded by expressing the hope that French ships would visit New Zealand more frequently and asked. tfie company to drink to tfie prosperity of New Zealand and the Empire,