Friendship Marks Emden Reception

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 702, 29 June 1929, Page 8

Friendship Marks Emden Reception

ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME UNDER TWO FLAGS More than 1,500 citizens attended the reception and dance given in honour of the officers and cadets of the German cruiser Emden at Scots Hall last evening. Scenes of enthusiasm marked the , arrival of the visiters, headed by the commander, Captain Von Amauld, who were accorded a traditional Maori welcome. Following the chant of welcome by the Maori party, the assembly stood silent while the English National Anthem and the German National Anthem were played. British flags and German colours decorated the stage, and clusters of balloons huug from the ceiling. Above the stage the Burns quotation, “Man to man the world o’er shall brithers be for a’ that,” was particularly appropriate. A welcome was then extended by Mr. Langguth, chairman of the Reception Committee. He said the gathering was of importance not only to Auckland but also to the cause of International friendship. Auckland was noted for its hospitality, and it was gratifying to see such a readiness to welcome the visitors. “New Zealand is one of the fairest possessions of Great Britain,” said Mr. Langguth, "and you will have an opportunity during your stay of seeing It.” He himself had arrived in the country 45 years ago, and through the fairmindedness of New Zealanders had succeeded in business after starting at the bottom of the ladder. He was proud of his associations with New Zealand, and felt sure that when the visitors had seen it fox* themselves they would echo his appreciation of life and conditions in it. “The younger generation would be particularly powerful in the establishment of the harmony and understanding between England and Germany, which had marked the previous relations between the two countries. I mention the younger generation particularly, because it has least to forget and to forgive,” Mr. Langguth added. DOVE OF PEACE Captain Von Arnauld, who was greeted with loud applause when he rose to reply, said he interpreted the wonderful hospitality shown to them ever since arriving in Auckland as a sign of the growth of renewed goodfeeling between the two countries. The Emden had been sent out as a dove of peace, and ever since it had rounded North Head, it had met with a spirit of friendship. “I will be quite content if the visit helps to bring about the very best understanding between the two nations.” he concluded. Sir Geoige Fowlds extended a welcome on behalf of the Auckland branch of the League of Nations Union. “it is a little difficult to forget the ti-oubles of war and the bitterness that naturally comes with it,” Sir George said, “but I am sure that both your own and our people are looking forward to the future and trying to forget the troubles of the past. We believe that it is not only possible for nations to live together in peace, but also that It is necessary for them to do so in order to get the best for each Individual nation.” The emotions of fear and hatred would prove harmful if allowed full rein in the human system, said Sir George, and it was hoped that the two nations would now co-operate in the cause of woi-ld peace. There was loud applause. Accompanying the visitors was Mr. W. Peuseler, German Consul, Wellington. who is visiting Auckland in connection with the Emden's visit. After the reception the visitors enjoyed_ a full programme of dancing, iuters'persed with hakas and poi dances by Tamaki Maoris. It is stated that nearly two thousand applications for invitations had to be declined on account of the impossibility of accommodating such a number. It is estimated that if alt the applications could have been granted there would have been an attendance of 5,000.

In addition to Mr. E. Langguth, late Austrian consul, who was chairman of the committee, members who assisted in the organising of the function were Dr. Mildred Staley. Mesdames Nello Porter, O. J. Thedens, M. Rice, E. Langguth and Messrs. G. Belin, Jagusch. Martin, A. F. Wilson, R. A. Von Gruber and O. J. Thedens, secretaiy.

VISIT TO ROTORUA MAORI CONCERT AND DANCE PUBLIC INSPECTION Captain Von Arnauld and a party of about 70 officers and cadet 3 left for Rotorua by the Rotorua express this morning. They -were accompanied by Mr. D. Ardell, of the Internal Affairs Department, and will return on Monday night. On arrival at Rotorua the visitors will be met by the Mayor and councillors. There will be a Maori concert this evening followed by a dance, and tomorrow a visit will be paid to the thermal regions. On Tuesday a party of six officers will visit the Waitomo Caves as the guests of the Government. A special sight-seeing trip in and around Auckland for a large party of officers has also been arranged for that day by the Auckland branch of the League of Nations Union. The Emden, which is now berthed at Central Wharf, will be open to the public for inspection from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow. She will go to Western Wharf on Tuesday to take oil fuel, returning to Central Wharf at seven o’clock the following morning. On Friday she will leave for Wellington.