THE TRADE COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 255, 18 March 1913, Page 6

THE TRADE COMMISSION.

A FAREWELL MESSAGE SPEECH BY SIR EDGAR- VINCENT. Speaking before the departure of the Empire Trade Conimisison. the chairman (Sir Edgar Vincent) said:— ' "We have now reached nearly the end of our visit to New Zealand, and this is perhaps the most convenient opportunity for me to express, on behalf of the Commission, our feelings of recognition and gratitude to the New Zealand Government and to all the inhabitants of New Zealand who have assisted us in our work during our short stay here. I desire particularly' to thank those Ministers under whose charge the arrangements have been. We feel a deep debt of gratitude, to Mr. Malcolm Ross, and also to Mr. James Hislop (Under-Secre-tary for Internal Affairs), who has brought his long experience to bear in facilitating our task. I desire specially to mention the admirable work performed by Messrs Gray aiukGore (the official reporters). Every one of us has been immensely struck with the admirable reports given!''throughout New Zealand by the local press. '•'We all hope that the sH'tings.we have held in New Zealand will be productive of good, both for the Empire at large and to New Zealand. In particular," Sir Edgar continued, "we have learned much from the witnesses. Ido not like to specify among them, but I have been deeply impressed by the representatives of various Departments of State. I think in your permanent officials you have a body of men of whom the greatest nation might be proud. What has impressed me particularly has been their knowledge of their work, and the obvious sincerity with which they have answered all questions which have been put to them.

''The memory of this beautiful land "will he a joy to us throughout mv .lives," said Sir Edgar in conclusion. "I trust tluvt those who have been in contact with us, and also those who directly and indirectly have been interested in our work, will retain for us those feelings of affection and regard which tliev have, inspired in us. who have been their guests and who will always remain thei.' friends." (Applause).