SIR JAMES GUNSON WELCOMED HOME

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 384, 19 June 1928, Page 9

SIR JAMES GUNSON WELCOMED HOME

PACIFIC CLUB FUNCTION A whole-hearted welcome by members of the Pacific Club was tendered to Sir James Gunson at a complimentary luncheon to-day. Sir James is the only life member of the club. Mr. James Robertson presided over a crowded attendance, and the guest was given a rousing reception. The president said Sir James was the only possessor of the> freedom of the club, an honour given in recognition of his fine work for Auckland in past years. He conveyed the club's best wishes to Sir James and hopes that the journey had been of sufficient benefit to enable him again to offer his services to the city at some future date. (Cheers.) “This honour is a surprise,” replied Sir James, “but I do not fail in a deep sense of appreciation of this action on the first day of my return.” Sir James in a short outline of his trip abroad said he had left behi-id him all public worries and he had for six months methodically devoted himself to the beautiful homeland. Such a trip enabled him to gain a clear and adequate opinion of the conditions and activities of other lands. SPIRIT OF CONFIDENCE The outstanding impression from England was the assured' revival of confidence in Great Britain in every circle, trade, politicl and social. 'There was a spirit of optimism, and it was this message which ho thought w-ell to bring back to New Zealand. Trade had its eyes looking to prosperity. The speaker outlined his impressions of a visit to the House of Comons on Primrose Day, and during the presentation of the budget. The leaders of the House had very strongly impressed him, and he could only feel that the Empire was in good hands. He did not think Labour would return to the House with a majority next year, and he did not think the “flappers’ ” vote would effect it. He paid a fine compliment to the work of Sir James Parr in London, and thought New Zealand had made no mistake in sending him Home. In Canada he had found very favourable impressions of the Prime Minister, Mr. J. G. Coates;, who was admired for his directness and general deportment. He had found the same impression in London, and New Zealand stood exceedingly high in the credit of that country. Speaking of his visits to Europe he expressed amazement at the development of Spain, where British money was going. He had been impressed however, with the huge amount of American money that was being invested in Europe. In Czecho-Slovakia British capital was developing the country, and frpm such trips as he had taken he saw a small amount of the increasing influence of Britain, which was not centred in Britain. Germany had treated them with hospitality, and there was no rancour. The President was loved, and the country was trying to heal the differences caused by the war, a movement which should be encouraged (hear, hear).