MANAWATU’S WELCOME TO FRENCH VISITORS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2535, 27 January 1923, Page 2

MANAWATU’S WELCOME TO FRENCH VISITORS.

MR. LINKLATER’S TRIBUTE.

At the welcome to Admiral Gilley and officers of the Jules Meehelet > :~y—and members of the French Trade Mission who visited Palmerston on Wednesday last, Mr .T. Linklater, M.P. extended a welcome to the distinguished visitors on behalf of the Manawatu electorate. Mr Linklater expressed the pleasure it afforded him on behalf of the electorate he had the honour to represent and said the people of the district he represented .•joined’ heartily with the ... - Palmerston townspeople in the cordiality of the welcome. Mr Linkla.ter endorsed the remarks of the Mayor (Mr Nash) in regard to the sentiments expressed towards \he French nation and assured the distinguished guest that the bravery of the French troops during the great war would not be forgotten. Mr Linklater said he was pleased also to welcome the members of the commercial mission and hoped as a result of their investigations and travels throughout the Dominion that the trade relationships which already exist would be strengthened and increased. Mr Linklater added that French wool-buyers are already in New Zealand competing for our clips and buyers for ' our butter, lamb, cheese and other produce would be welcomed. He informed J the visitors that that afternoon they would be afforded an opportunity of visiting what is admitted to be some of the richest grazing land in the Dominion. “On this land,” said Mr Linklater, “stock of the highest quality is produced and sought after from many parts of the world.” Addressing the Admiral, Mr Linklater said: “To you Admiral Gilley and your officers, we extend the right, hand of fellowship and in doing so we remember the many thousands of New Zealand’s sons who are sleeping their long, last sleep in., France.-. During the year our boys fought shoulder to shoulder with the sons of France and in the years of peace may we work together for our mutual welfare.” Mr Linklater in concluding expressed the hope that France would emerge successfully from her present difficulties and that nothing in the future would arise to disturb the cordial relations which now exist between France and the British Empire of which New Zealanders were proud to form a ,>| part.

Mr Linklater’s speech, as with others, had to be translated as the Admiral does not speak English.

The Mayor of Palmerston (Mr J. ; A Nash, M.P.) has received the following telegram from Admiral Gilly, ■'§=■ of the French mission to New Zealand, who visited Palmerston North on Wednesday:—“l desire to express to you my sincere thanks for -yV the splendid reception accorded us in Palmerston North and for the interesting trips made by us which made our visit a memorable one. My . ■ grateful thanks are also extended to those who assisted you in the reception arrangements and I desire to send my best wishes to yourself - - and citizens for every happiness and .j. V . prosperity. I am sure our visit will strengthen the bonds of friendship which have been formed between New Zealand and France and to which expression was given by you ''Tfc' in such felicitous terms last night.” Prior to the departure of the French 0 visitors yesterday, Miss J. McHardy presented Admiral Gilly with a handsome bouquet. ’ W