A BRILLIANT FUNCTION

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1925, Page 4

A BRILLIANT FUNCTION

PRESS UNION DELEGATES ENTERTAINED. IXTE RESTING SPEECHES. WELLINGTON, August. 2G. 'Clio Grand Hotel to-night was the scone at a function unparalleled in tho history of Now Zealand journalism, when the New Zealand branch oi the Empire Press Union tendered a complimentary dinner to the Rritish, Canadian and other overseas delegates who are on route to the Empire Press Conference in Australia. Sir George Fenwick, the doyen of New Zealand journalists, presided over a gathering of about a hundred ladies and gentlemen, comprising about forty overseas delegates and .representatives of the New Zealand Press from all parts of the country, also Sir I* rancis Hell, representing the Government, Air G. W. Forbes, leader of the Opposition in the House ol Representatives, and representatives of the City Council, Harbour Hoard and other local bodies, as well as men prominent in professional and commercial circles. die dinner proved most enjoyable. The guests all were in high spirits, the greatest camaraderie prevailing among those gathered tor a brivt space from the ends of the earth to exchange views, then to pass on in a day or two on their several ways of life. At ten o’clock Sir, George Fenwick, who occupied the chair as piesidont of the New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union, rose and proposed the toast of " The King,” which was drunk with musical honours. Sir George then proposed the toast, •• Our Guests,” which was honoured with great enthusiasm. Major Aslor. responding to the toast of "The Guests,” said he had always heard much of this as the land ol opportunity, and they had not been disappointed. The difficulties oi settlement had been overcome by rugged [lritish settlers. They were glad to see the results of juvenile settlement, which was being watched closely and anxiously hv people in England. I’or all the delegates he thanked Sir George Fenwick and others of the Empire Press rnioii who had done so much to make the tour in New Zealand enjoyable. The delegates represented all parts ol tho Umpire, and this portion of the tour had been the most pleasant and profitable feature of this year’s conference. The Canadian delegates had made the visit in spite of local difficulties connected with political activities, because they fell it worth while to do so, and they had found this thought well founded. The liritish delegates also had dropped business competition to make the trip and get to know the people ot these far-off lands. As they passed along the All-Red route they realised that nil t’onw'il <>uc economic unity. ; ,n,l how* t !io fortunes of one sjlleeteii nil. The stnmhud of fair dealing which they upheld ii’.ennt Jill that was «jnod :it .1 true in the part it played lor ill,, welfare of mankind, and that standard was essentially liritish, Majni A;,tor eulogised the services of New Zealanders in the war, and amused warm applause by his relerenrr to the fact that war service Inul joined all in the bond of Empire unity. Sir Harry Brittain opened with a reference to the leaders ol the Empire Press I’nion now gone, lie was tho ~)1 1 v cue left of the original Plunders. Reference to the passing of Sir Arthur IVarson evoked special warm applause, h, t|.,. lew short years since the first while man appeared. New Zealand had become one oi the finest parts ol the Empire, and the Natives who had fought the early settlers were now cooperators with the white men. and when they were enemies they were fine lighters. New Zealand was typically loval to tie Crown. In commerce New Zealand’s output per capita heats tho world. On Empire Day lie attended a luncheon in the House ol ( ominous, at uliieli iMeivihing used u:i.- produced m the Empire. Why could nut every day he Empire Day? It was posssihle to use all Empire goods, and it ought tu he done. Sir llarrv Brittain then referred in eulogistic terms to New Zealand's aid to the Empire in men and foodstuffs during the war, aid which would never he forgotten. In Britain they had many young ie.cn ready to do all that might he asked of them. By utilising their services in the settlemem of oversea lands and co-operation between the Motherland and oversea dominions so to turn to the fullest j act (Hint the Empire’s man-power, the I Empire would reap a wonderful benefit for the Empire and for mankind. Mr John Bassett ("Montreal Gazette”). responding for tho Dominion delegates, paid a tribute to the work of the New Zealand section of the Empire Press Union in the organisation of the tour in the Dominion. He mentioned that the " Gazette ” was founded in 177si l>v Benjamin Franklin to preach the secession of the British dominions. It was a striking commentary on the loyally of the people that the Catholic Bishop of that time called on the editor to preach, loyalty, not secession or to leave the town. The, "Gazette” preached loyally to tho British Clown then, and it. had done so ever since. ( amnia's people had sprung from British loins, and they could not forget that her proximity to the United States had mused certain suspicions as to Canada’s warmth of feeling toward the liritish. lint tic central thought dominating Canada was that of nonce with the United States and of unity of purpose with the British community of nations, ft was a Canadian Premier (Air .Meigltnn) who was responsible for tho non-re-newal of the Anglo-Japaitese treaty, which removed from the minds of their American cousins the suspicion that the British nations were not favourable to America. The recent United States naval visit was roullv a great gesture of friendship from the United Stales. Canada was neighbour to the richest nation on earth, and could not ignore this fact. She sought British capital and immigrants, hut at the same time could not ignore the American money market to supply Iter pressing needs. Canada wanted to trade with New Zealand, hut she had political difficulties of Iter own, and if at times she seemed not in sympathy with New Zealand, for instance, this fact should be remembered. .Mr Bassett concluded with expression of the hope that New ! Zealand’s future would he of the brightest. Sir Francis Bell proposed the toast of " Tho Chairman ” which was drunk with the greatest heartiness. Sir George Fenwick briefly replied, and the proceedings closed amidst enthusiasm. when Lord Burnham, in a •short speech, paid a tribute to the work done by Air L. ,T. Berry, in organising and carrying out the tour, and made a presentation to Air Berry from the oversea delegates in recogni- | tion of that work, which had produced so much enjoyment for them in the ‘ tour through New Zealand. The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem. ) '