DISTINGUISHED GUEST.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2453, 13 July 1922, Page 3

DISTINGUISHED GUEST.

RT. HON. V. S. SASTRI. The Rt, Hon. V. S. Srinivasa Sastri was accorded a civic reception at Wellington on Tuesday. The Mayor, Mr R. A. Wright, M.P., presided and extended to Mr Sastri a hearty welcome to Wellington. Mr Sastri, he said, was touring New Zealand in the interests of the Empire to which they belonged, and was regarded as the outstanding representative of India. Hon. Downie Stewart also welcomed the visitor. Mr Sastri and his secretary were later the guests of the Government at a Parliamentary luncheon. The Premier presided, and was supported by the guests and the Speaker of both Houses. The large dining hall was filled by members of the legislature and heads of Departments. The toasts “The King” and “Our Guest” were honoured with much enthusiasm. In proposing the latter’s health, Mr Massey paid a high tribute to Mr Sastri’s services at the Imperial Conference and to India’s magnificent contribution to the great war, which entitled her to a place and representation in the Councils of the Empire. Mi- Sastri, in replying, said it seemed to him there was the greatest probability of a clash, under the will of Providence, for ends we might not be able to discern, between East and West, perhaps at no distant date, and it was the duty of everyone to minimise, if not altogether avert that clash, and to this end he knew of no better medium than the influence of the British Empire. India was anxious to take her place in that Empire, and he asked that India’s demands, which were necessary to enable her to take that place, should he sympathetically considered by the white people of the Empire. Given that sympathetic treatment, he had no doubt that they would lie able to keep India loyal and safe within the Empire.