WARM WELCOME.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 77, 1 April 1930, Page 8

WARM WELCOME.

TO VICE-REGAL PARTY.

GOVERNOR- GENERAL'S VISIT.

CHEERED BY. THE CITIZENS.

LORD AND LADY BLEDISLOE

PLEASED,

PRAISE FOR GUARD OP HONOUR,

Auckland's welcome to his Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, and Lady Bledisloe was a warm one this morning when their Excellencies entered the city for the first time.

Punctually to time the Limited express arrived from Wellington, and a minute later Lord Bledisloe stepped from the Vice-Regal car, followed by Lady Bledisloe. Their Excellencies were accompanied by Li'eut. J. C. Ehvorthy, R.N., A:D.C, and Sir J. Hanham, A.D.C., Grenadier Guards.

The Hon. J. B. Donald, Minister of Industries and Commerce, was the. first to greet Lord Bledisloe, and then the Governor-General was introduced to his Worship the Mayor (Mr. Geo. Baildon), who extended the City's greetings. The official welcoming party consisting of Commander Nelson Clover, R.N., Lieut. Searle, R.N., Brigadier H. R. Potter, official welcoming party; consisting of mand; Lieut.-Col. J. E. Duigaii, chief staff officer; the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister of Health; the Mayoress, Mrs. A. C. Campbell, and the town clerk, Mr. J. Brigham, were then introduced to their Excellencies amidst cheers from the hundreds of people round the official enclosure..

Their Excellencies Pleased. It was a warm welcome which was reflected in the faces of the Vice-Regal visitors. After talking for a. few moments, the party entered their cars and, amidst further cheers, drove off over Breakwater Road along Quay Street into Queen Street.

Here, in the space which had been roped off in front of the General Post Office, the Auckland Grammar School cadets had been drawn up as a guard of honour, together with the school band. Thousands of people lined the streets in the vicinity, and every vantage point, such as windows and verandahs, had their full complement of eager sightseers. There was a liberal display of bunting, and when the Vice-Regal party came in sight cheers again broke out.

Like veterans, the cadets came to the Royal salute as his Excellency stepped from his car, and the band played the National Anthem.

Subsequently, accompanied by Captain G. T. Lee, officer commanding, and followed by Brigadier Potter and the Mayor, Ms Excellency inspected the guard of honour. Meanwhile the band, drawn up in the rear, played a slow waltz.

Lord Bledisloe, who was in civilian dress, took great interest in the cadets, and at the conclusion of the inspection heartily congratulated Captain Lee on his company, their steadiness on parade and their fine military bearing. He also inquired about the school and its traditions.

Once again tne cadets presented arms,and all stood to attention whilst the salute was given, the band playing the National Anthem. Amidst cheers and waving of hats and hands, the Vice-Regal party drove off to Government House, and the first part of the official reception to the New Governor-General and his lady was over. Steadiness on Parade. A feature of the proceedings was the parade of the Grammar School cadets. The company paraded 105 strong under Captain Lee and Lieutenants F. M. Price and. J. Coop, the band of 25 being in charge of Lieutenant C. N. Nicholle. The company marched down Queen Street and took up its position, the various movements being executed like clockwork. Their general steadiness on parade was. remarked upon on all sides. Many an old soldier raised hie hat and stood to attention on the kerbing as the company marched along with the King's colours flying in their midst. When the cadets reached the Drill Hall they were addressed by Lieutenant T. P. Laffey, who had charge of the arrangements for the reception, which were excellently carried out in every respect.

Lady Bledisloe Interested. The weather was beautifully fine when their Excellencies arrived; but just at the conclusion of the inspection a light > drizzle commenced. It cleared up later,, however, and once again the sun shone out.

Lady Bledieloe appeared to be just ae interested as his Excellency in everything that was done. With her characteristic smile, reminiscent of the Duchess of York, she chatted gaily with members of the official party and asked numerous questions about the boys on parade. Aβ the official party commenced to move off hats were raised and her Excellency waved her hand in recognition.

Captain Hobson's Grave. Dhie afternoon, their Excellencies, accompanied by the Mayor, left Government House at 2.30 p.m., and went to Symonds Street cemetery Avhere a wreath was laid on the grave of Captain Hobson, R.N., the first Governor of New Zealand. Later, visits were paid to the Cenotaph and War Memorial Museum. The vice-regal party were then taken to Mount Eden, One Tree Hill and the racecourse gardens, and back to Government House. To-night's Reception. A public reception will be given in the Town Hall tin's evening at 8.15. The Mayor will read an address of welcome, and the Hon. A. J. Stall worthy, representing the Government, will also speak. Lord Bledisloe will reply. A musical programme will be given by the Municipal Choir, and the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, and Mr. Barry Coney will be the solo vocalist. Seats on the platform will be reserved for representatives, of public bodies and other official guests, but the body of the hall will be open to the public without restriction. The test of the Mayor's address will be engrossed later and forwarded to his Excellency as a memento of the occasion. To-morrow their Excellencies will visit four public institutions —the Auckland Hospital at 10.30 a.m., the Auckland Infirmary at 11.45 a.m., the Evelyn Firth Homo at 2.45 p.m., and the Veterans' Home at 3.30 p.m. They will return to Wellington by the Limited ■express, leaving at 7*lo p.m,