HON. L. C. AMERY

Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1927, Page 1

HON. L. C. AMERY

Mr and Mrs Amery wore timed to leave Auckland by special train today at 10.25 a.in. They will inspect the Waharoa dairy factory and tho

Buakura Experimental Farm early in the afternoon. It is not yet certain whether they will lie tendered a reception at Hamilton. They will spend the night, in the train at Hengatiki, after visiting the eaves tit Waitomo, and the next morning they will leave the train at Te Kuiti at 9.40 and proceed by car to New Plymouth, where they arc due at three o'clock. After a civic reception at night, Mr Amery will leave for the Mount Eginont Hostel to make an early morning ascent of the mountain.

Friday and Saturday morning will he spent at Wanganui and Palmerston North, the programme providing for civic receptions at both centres and for visits to tho Flock Houses for boys and girls. Tho visitors are due in Wellington at 0 p.m. and during their stay in the capital they will he the guests of the Governor-General. On Monday evening there will lie a reception at Government House and on the Tuesday there will be a State luncheon at tho Town Hall.

Mr and Mrs Amery will leave for the South Island on the Tuesday night. They will he in New Zealand until December 20th. and tho itinerary which has been arranged for them provides for visits to the principal centres of both islands, with the- exception of Southland. Brief breaks in the round of official and private engagements will he a one-day visit to Mount Egnioul and a stay of nine days at the Mount Cook Hermitage, which will he used as the base from which' Mr Amery, who is a prominent mountaineer, wiTT explore the Alps. The special railway ear which was used by the Duke and Duchess of York on their recent tour of the Dominion will Ik' placed at the disposal of Mr and Mrs Amery and party.

CIVIC RECEPTION. AUCKLAND. Nov. 21. Mr Amery was accorded a civic reception at noon. The Mayor, Air G. Baildon. referred to the fact that to-morrow was Afr Amory’s birthday. Ho warmly welcomed him to Auckland. The Prime Minister, Afr Coates, said the tour was not a pleasure visit, and Afr Amery was deserving of the greatest thanks for the task he had set himself. Such a visit by the Secretary of State to every portion of the dominions—and it was ilie first occasion that- such.a Afinister had undertaken this tour—was of vital importance to every part of the Empire. “T only hollo that AD Amory’s visit will lie the forerunner of many moro,” added Air Coates amid applause. There were several points which would call for Afr Amery’s attention while in this country. The first, was political and const ilutio.ual relations. “In this connection 1 think New Zealand is quite satisfied with her present relations,” said Air Coates, “and will ask for nothing more. (Applause). Next on the list was immigration, and the third was trade.”

A clear, concise and dignified speaker, with a particularly resonant voice, Air Am cry said at tile conclusion of hi.s reply: “I fee! that I will return to England after this tour with a deeper and keener appreciation of the possibilities of this Empire, and a better "understanding ol the spirit and outlook of the people of Now Zetland and other dominions, which form part- of our eommonweath of British nations.” Since he was last in New Zealand the Dominion had made tremendous progress. He /Ifad already noticed it in Auckland, but there bad been something more than material development. New Zealand, in making sacrifices and history had been re-born. She had won a place among the nations. This Dominion was an important factor in the common scoiuritv, development and welfare of the Empire. “Britain is sound to the core,’’ declared Air Amery. “In those years of war. Britain, too, was re-born. Site is younger than she was twenty years ago. FTer confidence in her own capacity is -greater, her fibres bare been hardened, and her pulse has been quickened. ’’ As a former Lord of the Admiralty lie thanked New Zealand for her contribution towards the Singapore base, which lie had had the honor to inaugurate. (Applause). “If we want to find the spirit of a country.” said Air Amery, “we have to come ourselves. That is the reason for my visit. 1 hope to return with a better understanding of all our problems in every part of the Empire.” After the civic reception. Afr Amery was tho guest of the Auckland Rotary flub at luncheon. Later, with his wife, he was driven to ATount Eden and other places, and entertained at afternoon tea. at Ellens! ic Racecourse kiosk by the Victoria League, Navy League, Royal Colonial Institute and Overseas Club. To-night a civic “At Home” was given.

ENTERTAINED AT AUCKLAND AUCKLAND, Nov. 22. At a luncheon arranged by the Chamber of Commerce Employers’ Association in honour of Hon. Leopold Amery, Sir Francis Bell paid a tribute to the success which the guest of honour had achieved in hi.s present high office, more especially liv his wisdom in overcoming the difficulties of distance lietwoen tho Motherland and the Empire’s territory overseas. The Hon. Leopold. Amery. who was presented with a large cake, in honour of his birthday, spoke of the change in Empire sentiment which had conic about during the war. In recent times many new reciprocal treaties had boon entered into within tho Empire and no more remarkable preference had been given than that which had been given by New Zealand. (Applause) You are now giving an immense measure of preference, added the speaker, which is deeply appreciated by the hard-pressed people at Home. AYo do appreciate the fact that in proportion to population. New Zealand is the largest buyer of British goods and on our side. I may say. Britain is practically, unanimous in realising the value of Empire trade. (Applause). Dealing with the fostering, of Empire trade. Afr Amery remarked that you could get a British purchaser to take a had article at a good price, but given the quality, tlie Home Government could undoubtedly do much to help in the way of arranging “Empire shopping weeks.” with a view to. getting ho or she (and “slio was the most important factor”) to get into the habit of asking for Empire goods. He l>elieved the Dominions had felt the benefit of the work done at Wembley. and since, in the way of promoting Empire produce. (Applause),