THE Hauraki Plains Gazette. With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1943 A DISTINGUISHED VISITOR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32307, 1 September 1943, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette. With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1943 A DISTINGUISHED VISITOR

A most agreeable surprise to the New Zealand people is the unexpected arrival in the Dominion of Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt. She has come, as she has said in her message to the public when responding to the welcome extended her by members of the Government, in response to a long-standing invitation. Apart from her exalted position as wife of the President of the United States, Mrs Roosevelt is an outstanding personality in herself. She is a woman an abundant energy, strong force of character and great personal charm. These qualities have come con-/ spicuously to the front since she accompanied her distinguished husband to the White House, and more especially in connection with her leadership in women’s war work. Her visit to New Zealand has been prompted by two desires—to see something of a country of which she has heard so much since it became an important base for United States troops and supplies, and to meet as many of the American troops as may be possible within the limits of her stay.

It is hardly necessary to say that this admirable gesture to the soldiers and sailors from her own country will be marked by a tumultuous welcome in the traditional spirit of American sentiment. Her contacts with the New Zealand people should strengthen the good feeling between her great Republic and this little country. 'Mrs Roosevelt is an ardent exponent of closer Anglo-American relationships. During a second visit by Royal invitation to England, toward the end of last year, when she was entertained by Their Majesties the King and Queen, and visited many points, of interest in connection with the British war effort, she held a Press conference, and, it is stated, charmed the one hundred reporters present with quick and unhestitating answers to questions. One question in particular was: “What do you think of Anglo-American relations after the war?” Her reply was frank and succinct: “There is a mutual lack of knowledge,” she said, “but I do not think you can have many people working together without increasing understanding,” There is much political wisdom wrapped up in that short statement.

It may be hoped that opportunities will be possible for our distinguished visitor to - see as much of this country and its people as the period of her visit will permit. Mrs Roosevelt is assured of a very warm welcome from this Dominion, with sincere good wishes for an enjoyable stay, happy meetings with the American boys, and a safe journey home.