THE EMDEN

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1929, Page 1

THE EMDEN

STATE LUNCHEON AT WELLINGTON. 'By Telegraph—Press Association). WELLINGTON, July 8. A Government luncheon was held at Parliament House to-day in honour of the visit of the German cruiser Emden. The captain of the Emden (Captain Lot liar von Arnauld de la Periere) was accompanied by eight of his officers and staff. The Prime Minister presided and members of Cabinet, Parliamentary parties, Government departments and other representatives were present.

The first toasts honoured were “The King” and “The President of the liepublic of Germany.” Sir Joseph Ward, proposing the toast “Our Guests,” said the Emden was the first German warship to visit these waters since the war. He hoped ,their welcome would have proved that the people of New Zealand, no less than the people of the Old Country and other civilised ' communities throughout the world, were anxious to recognise the bonds of common humanity and to endeavour to build a better and a safer world for the- generations to come. He continued: “We who arc sitting here to-day, citizens of the German ltepublic and New Zealanders, who eleven years ago were at war with one another, are now representatives of State members .of the League of Nations and signatories of the pact for renunciation of war. Side by side avo together with other nations of the Avorld, are making a united, an honest and a sincere attempt to solve the problems of international peace and security, and to make a repetition of the disaster of 1914 an impossibility. Responding to the toast, .Captain de la Periere expressed sincerest thanks on behalf of his country and his fellow officers, and said they never wouldforget their stay in this wonderful country. He hoped the present visit would help to create good feelings between the two countries. Captain de la Periere concluded by asking his fellow officers to join with him in rising and drinking the toast of “The Prime Minister and Government of Ncav Zealand, and prosperity to this fair Dominion.” The toast Avas heartily honoured by the visitors.