HOSPITABLE HOOVER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 608, 9 March 1929, Page 9

HOSPITABLE HOOVER

AUSTRALIANS WELCOMED BOY TOURISTS AT WHITE HOUSE (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 9.5 a.m. WASHINGTON, Friday. In Washington the young Australians found the doors open to them at virtually every place of historic and educational interest. They had luncheon at the Rotary Club, where they met Colonel TJ. S. Grant, a grandson of General Grant. Sunshine favoured the proceedings at the White House, where it seemed the Australians had possession of the building and grounds for the greater i part of the forenoon. President ! Hoover appeared before a parade of ! the full contingent, while the band 'played “The Star-Spangled Banner.” ! Later, Mr. Hoover met each boy individually, shook hands and asked questions concerning the localities and their names, finding Butler, the company commander, the only one from Kalgoorlie. Tie then received a message from Mrs. Hoover that she was anxious to meet the visitors, who went to the main reception hall, where each was presented to her. The President and Mrs. Hoover spent some time questioning the boys regarding the Western Australian goldfields. One of the Australians remarked: “We would like a promise that at the expiration ot your term of office the President and yourself will visit Australia.. Mrs. Hoover replied: “There is no need to ask for a promise. A visit to Australia is part of our plan. Tell your people that I remember ana love Australia.” She showed a remarkable knowledge of Perth, Ballarat, Kalgoorlie and Broken Hill. ... The President made special inquiries about Geelong. , In the afternoon the boys attended a reception by Sir Esme Howard at the British Embassy.