New Zealand Function

Hokitika Guardian, 14 October 1922, Page 3

New Zealand Function

1000 present. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION. (Received this dav at H a.in.) LONDON, Oct. ID. Sir James and Lady Allen tendered a reception to a thousand members ol tl,o Imperial Institute, including several Imperial Ministers, many New Zealanders, High issioners and Agents Generals. The Prince of Wales presented Sir IC 1). Bell with a casket in conimemoration of his ton years sei\ut as Leader of the New Zealand Legislative Council.

Tlie Prince of Wales received r. In arty ovation. He re-alled l, is grandfather's interest in the Imperial Institute, which he hoped was to be o: Hie greatest assistance to all the Dominions. The gathering recalled very , pleasantly the many happy days spent in New Zealand during his Dominion’s tour, days which lie could never iurget. ft was a pleasure to honour So F. D. Bell, to whom lie was specially grateful, because he organised a splendid month spent in New Zealand. The Prince of Wales referred appreciatively to the outstanding achievements of Sir F. D. Bell’s legal and political career. It was a wonderful record o! public service. He concluded by wishing Sir F. D. Bell a pleasant holiday. Sir F. D. Bell replying, commended the patriotism of the Legislative Council, in war time sinking partisanship, and co-operating in the interest of New Zealand and Empire. Nonpartisanship was continuing during the postwar reconstruction. He pointed out the success of the repatriation scheme. Soldiers had already repaid half oj the money advanced. The failures amounted only to two per cent.

He eulogised the Prince of Wales services to the Empire and emphasised New Zealand’s loyalty to "the Crown, and devotion and respect for the Royal house, which they claimed was as much theirs as England’s.