THE TRADE COMMISSION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1078, 20 March 1913, Page 4

THE TRADE COMMISSION.

A FAREWEEE MESSAGED

SPEECH BY SIR EDGAR

VINCENT.

Speaking before the departure of the Empire Trade Commission, the chairman, Sir Edgar Vincent, said : •

“We have now reached nearly the end of our visit to New Zealand, and this is perhaps the most convenient opportunity for me to express,- on behalf of the Commission, our feelings of recognition and gratitude to the New Zealand Government and to all the inhabitants of. New Zealand who have assisted us in our work during our short stay here. I desire particularly to thank those Minis; tors under whose charge the arrangements have been. We feel a deep debt of gratitude to Mr Malcolm Ross and also to Mr James Hislop (Under-secretary for Internal Affairs), who has brought his long experience to bear in facilitating our task. I desire specially to mention the admirable work performed by Messrs Gray and Gore (the official reporters). Every one of us has been immensely struck with the admirable reports given throughout New Zealand by the local press. “We all hope that the sittings we have held in New Zealand will be productive of good, both for the Empire at large and to New Zealand in particular.” Sir Edgar continued, “we have learned much from the witnesses. Ido not like to specify among them, but I have been deeply impressed by the representatives of various Departments of State. I think in your permanent officials you have a body of men of whom the greatest nation might be proud. What has impressed me particularly has been their knowledge of their work, and the obvious sincerity with which they have answered all questions which have been put to them. “The memory of this beautiful land will be a joy to us throughout our lives,” said Sir Edgar in conclusion. “I trust that those who have been in contact with us, and also those who directly and indirectly have been interested in our work, will retain for us those feelings of affection and regard which they have inspired in us, who have been their guests, and who will always remain their friends.” (Applause.;