THE FRENCH MISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 January 1919, Page 2

THE FRENCH MISSION.

RECEPTION AT ILttIfIYIXH.

Bj;, Telegraph.—Preaa Association.

Hamilton, Jan. 4.

Tlie French mission passed through Hamilton last night. Opportunity was taken by the Mayor and. members of the French War Orphans' Fund Committee to present General i'au with a draft lor £OOOO on behalf of the destitute of France^

| The Mayor stated that over £7ooot i had been collected, and £ MOO hsid been I already forwarded- The money was collected from the whole of New Zealand, i whose people realised the debt they owed to France and desired to help the I many little ones rendered homeless and orphaned. General Pan warmly thanked the people of 'New Zealand for their magnificent gift. He saw the need for help, having seen thousands of mutilated and homeless children in France and Belgium. He would see that the money was expended for the purpose for which it lad been collected.

The mission left for Tauinarunui by the Main Trunk express.

LATEST AKRANCJSaiENTS-

Wellington, last Night.

The members of the French Mission are due here this evening, via Rangitikei, Manawatu, and Wairarapa. As the steamer is not leaving Auckland on the date previously fixed, the Mission will go to Dunedin, leaving Ohristchurch for there on the Uth.

VISIT TO PALMEKSTON.

Palmerston N., Last Night.

The French Mission arrived at Palmerston by road at midday. They were met at Awahuri by Mr- J. A- Nash Ma(yor and IIP.) and a fleet of GO motor-cars, decorated with French and Allied colors. General Pan boarded the Mayor's car, and, attended By a number of military officials, completed the journey. Palmerston was gaily bedecked with flaga and streamers. At the Empire Hotel General Pan was introduced to the leading citizens, their wives, and officials. At the subsequent dinner fraternal toasts were interchanged. At a gathering in t? e Square subsequently, the City Band played the National Anthems, and Mr. Nash delivered a formal speech of welcome, to which General Pau, speaking in French, eloquently responded, his interpreted remarks referring to the similarity of the topography in New Zealand, France, and England, and New Zealand's splendid contribution of men and material in the war. He was warmly applauded. Accompaied by hundreds of enthusiastic spectators, the party then made their wny to the oars, General Pau shaking hands heartily with the gatherings of returned soldiers and Maori War veterans. They were heartily cheered on leaving for Wellington.