CIVIC WELCOME.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 136, 21 March 1930, Page 6

CIVIC WELCOME.

THE NEW, GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 20. There was a brilliant scene at the Town Hall to-night, when the Gover-nor-General (Lord Bledisloe) and Lady Bledisloe, were accorded a civic welcome by the City of Wellington, and local public bodies, and were presented with an illuminated address. The distinguished guests received an enthusiastic reception from the gathering of people which filled all the available accommodation long before the commencement of the programme. The proceedings were only partly formal, speeches being interspersed with miisical items. The Hon. G. W. Forbes was the speaker on behalf of the Government. He said the people wished His Excellency to enjoy himself, and would be pleased to see him on the field of sport. As Minister of Agriculture, Mr Forbes said that farmers were very glad at having in the GovernorGeneral a man who knew the problems facing them. The Chief Justice (Sir M. Myers) also spoke. The Mayor of Wellington (Mr G. A. Troup) read a formal address on behalf of local bodies, prefacing it with a short speech. After returning thanks for the welcome, Lord Bledisloe said lie and Lady Bledisloe intended, as far as their duties permitted, to take full part in the social aiid recreational side of life in New Zealand. Regarding farming, he wanted to make it perfectly clear ' that he did not come to this country with the idea that he was going _ to teach people on the land anything. He was not a pundit, and he came to learn. Conditions here differed very much from those of the Old Country. He praised the value and stressed the importance of agriculture .to all. He was prepared to foster in any way he could, the industrial activities of the country.