FAREWELL MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 152, 28 June 1901, Page 5

FAREWELL MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW ZEALAND.

The following is the farewell message by the Duke of York to the people of New Zealand— Dunedin, June 27, 1901. Dear Lord Ranfurly,—

On the eve of our departure I am anxious to tell the people of New Zealand how happy we have been in their beautiful land, with what regret we leave it. and what lasting feeling-s of gratitude we carry away for the loyal enthusiasm, cordiality, and kind-heartedness so universally accorded to us throughout our stay.

I would ask you to convey to the Government our warmest thanks for all their thoughtful and admirably carried out plans for the accommodation, comfort, and entertainment of ourselves and our staff. In addition to the Government Houses at Auckland and Wellington, where you so kindly entertained us, both there, and in' other cities and towns, hotels were engaged for our use, private individuals and members of clubs most generously placed their houses at our disposal, and we know that similar hospitality awaited us at those places which, unfortunately, from want of time, it was not possible to visit.

The railway arrangements have been invariably excellent, and everything possible was done to ensure safety and comfort on our journeys, though I fear this must have entailed much extra work upon officials and employees as well as inconvenience to the travelling public.

Every attention was shown by the Post and Telegrapti Departments, and their work was promptly and efficiently carried out. .The police service throughout the colony was most satisfactory, and performed with conspicuous tact and judgment. The reviews at Auckland and Christchurch, ait which all branches of the New Zealand forces were represented, enabled me to form some idea of the colony Ts splendid fighting material, and brought home to me more than ever the enormous accession of strength which the Empire can count upon if need should arise. The zeal and cheerfulness with which the volunteers came together, in many instances travelling, long distances, both by land and sea. was worthy of the highest praise. I was proud beyond measure to'witness the enthusiastic reception which was everywhere accorded to the contingents which have returned from South Africa. I was particularly interested in the cadet corps, some of which showed marked steadiness on parade and when lining the streets, and the appearance and march^past of the corps at Christchurch were especially creditable. I venture to think this movement is deserving of every encouragement, particularly as regards provision of properly trained instructors, as, apart from its physical benefits, it infuses into the rising generation a spirit of discipline and esprit - de-

corps which must tend to make belter citizens as well as good soldiers. 1 learn with much pleasure, that among tho contingents sent to South Africa were many re.|vre,serttalives of school cadet corps, and thai in one instance no fewer than between ,00 and 7(1 from a single corps joined Ihe force. I was especially glad to meet fa.cc to face tiie .Maori people, to have witnessed their vast and interesting gathering a I Rotorua. and lo have had personal friendly intercourse willi their leading chiefs and icprcseniatives. If vvu,s gratifying to hear their assurance of loyalty to the King, their expressions of sorrow for their deeply loved Queen, and to experience their enthusiasm and warmness of heart towards '-R*-selves. I am glad to think thgt this ancient and chivalrous nice isliviug in peace and prosperity, and sharing with their pakeha brothers the duties and responsibilities of good citizenship.

To your Premier, who has accompanied us on al] occasions, I would ask you to convey our warmest thanks for his courtesy, kind attention, and untiring energy, whichhave in no small degree contributed to making our stay in New Zealand so enjoyable.

The Duchess and I are sincerely grateful to you and Lady Ranfurly for the unceasing care, trouble, and forethought which you have displayed on our behalf. We shall look back with pleasant recollections' to, those happy days which "v.--" '.pe_.'t; as your guests.

My best thanks are also due to your staff for the cheerful and as-, siduous manner with which 'tfieyhave coped with the vast increase of: work thrown upon them in conse-i queiiee of our visit. ■"/

Though unfortunately our stay has, from force of circumstance^, been a short one, 1 earnestly trust that the experience and knowledge of the country which I have gained in my personal intercourse with its people may, in some measure, tend to sustain and enhance the existing feeling of sympathy and interest between the Mother Country and New Zealand, and thus draw still closer those ties of affection and brotherhood by which we are so happily uuited.

Heartily wishing that the steady growth and prosperity of the country may ever continue, believe me, dear Lord Ranfurly, Very sincerely yours, GEORGE.