THE FRENCH MISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 December 1918, Page 2

THE FRENCH MISSION.

OBJECTS DISCUSSED. fllE SECRETARY INTERVIEWED. By Telegraph.—Pres3 Association. Auckland, Dee. 28. Discussing the objects of tho French Mission, Mr Siegfried, general secretary, said that the principal object was to thank the Government and people of New Zealand for the help their soldiers had given to France in the war, especially in defending French soil against the ruthless invader. The war had established better relations between Franco and Great Britain and it was the duty of all to foster this imo beginning. intellectually, socially and personally. New Zealanders were certain to visit France in greater numbers than before and the French people would undoubtedly come to New Zealand to study the social and economic conditions »nd for business reasons. "Members of the trench Mission will profit by study of the 'economic resources of New Zealand and they will also consider the question of closer commercial relations between the two countries. Francfe will be called upon to deal with very great social reconstruction problems as the result .'of the war and also because she is a progressive nation and the experience of New Zealand in social legislation is certain to be of the greatest benefit to her

"During our visit to Australia we were very greatly impressed by the immensity of the country and by its gteat possibilities, especially as a producer of ran' materials—wool, meat and' metals. "I had previously seen Australia as six - ienarate colonies, but on my recent visit I was impressed I>y the unity of the Australian nation, a unity which the war has apparently done much to strengthen. Members of the mission were received in an exceedingly cordial spirit and. we Were delighted to verify that France is looked upon there as a friend and that the prestige of France as the rock of defence of the Allies has been heightened and increased among all the Australian people,"