The Governor And The Tree

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 13 March 1946, Page 5

The Governor And The Tree

Some years ago, a certain popular Governor-General of New Zealand, paying an official visit to the East Coast of the North Island, was called upon to plant a tree in the grounds of a large, newly-erected Maori meetinghouse. The day dawned showery and overcast and the weather did not improve. Traditional native ceremonies occupied the early afternoon and by 4 p.m. when His Excellency set about man-handling a spade, the light was very bad from a photographic point of view. Back in the hotel that evening, a prominent press photographer who was covering the official tour was tapped on the shoulder by an Aide, with a message that His Excellency would like to see him. The cameraman immediately complied. "Er, Mr ", began His Ex, "1 noticed you this afternoon. Did you get a good photograph?" —"I hope so, Your Excellency", said the other The twinkled. "Bit of a photographer myself, y'know. It was a bad light eh?"— "It wasn't good,' said the cameraman. His Ex. cleared his throat. "Humph; it was an important occasion. The Maori people must be considered. If it is fine in the morning, be on the job at nine o'clock and we'll plant the tree again." The cameraman thanked him. The tree was duly replanted, and an excellent picture resulted. It is surprising what can be achieved when a Very Important Personage turns out to be human.