THE FRENCH MISSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 December 1918, Page 3

THE FRENCH MISSION.

WELCOME AT AUKCLAND. >ER PIIEBH ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT.]

AUCKLAND Dec. Vi. Tlie members of the French Mission, ; including General Pan (Leader), M. Andied Seif griff, (Secretary) and commandant a Dairdre, Aide de Camp, ailived in Auckland by the steamer “lUimc from Sydney to-night. . on behalf of the National Government, the Hon. Mr Hemes welcomed ( the visitors to the Dominion. Air Hei- • ries speech was translated to General Pau by Al. Seigfroig. Replying, General Pau said that he wished to thank, those soldiers who had fought side by side with the 1 reach soldiers in Europe. These New Zealanders said had shared the dangers of war with the French in the cause of | right and of liberty. Britain and, France would always be brotheis-m----arms. War had united these Nations, j and there would ever exist an alliance i in the hearts of the two people. j The Mission was also welcomed »> the Auckland lleadciuarters Staff. In replying to the address of Colonel Paterson,' General Pan said he was

proud to moot tne repiu*7 that army that had made Anaac famous. Ho wished to pay a tribute oi admiration to those soldiers. The French Consul, M. Hipplau, also welcomed the visitors. 1 The members of the Mission will at- ] -end the races at Ellcrslie to-morrow; ACTING PREMIER'S WELCOME. WELLINGTON, Dec. 27. The Acting Prime Minister has sent ( the following message of welcome to i General Pau on his arrival at Auckland “On behalf of the Government and ; people of New Zealand, I bid you and ; the members of your mission a lieaitj | welcome. Your stay with us is too , short, but everything will be done dm -) in,r votir visit to enable you to carry out ( the purpose of your mission, and at jjie , same time to see something of the, gifts which nature has so plentifully bestowed upon this Dominion. thus | mav vou carry away pleasant memories, of the homeland of those soldiers ol ours, who, fighting alongside the brave sons of France, have conic to realise the magnificence of the struggle which your countrymen.have made, and with such gratifying success fon their own •liberty and for the freedom of men and women generally. I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you in Wellington J on your