LORD BLEDISLOE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 55, 6 March 1935, Page 11

LORD BLEDISLOE.

WITH THE YACHTSMEN

HOUSING FAREWELL GIVEN.

A PORTRAIT OP THE KING.

A rousing farewell WRB accorded the Governor-General, Loi;d Bledisloe,. when ho visited the Royal Now Zealand Yacht Squadron's clubrooms at 5.30 last evening. The main purpose of his Excellency's visit was formally to hand over a portrait of the King, but members of tho squadron took advantage of the occasion to say good-bye to a representative of the Sovereign who has displayed a keen interest in the sport of yachting.

Lord Blodisloe's presence, said the commodore, Mr. E. H. Northcroft, marked an occasion of very great honour. It had been the happy thought of the previous commodore, Mr. .T. H. Frater, that the squadron should have an autographed portrait of the King. That had been indicated to his Excellency on tho occasion of his last visit to the clubrooms, and the possibility of such an honour being done members had been discussed. Lord Bledisloe had been good enough to advance the squadron's wishes, and as the outcome, the portrait had been duly presented for signature to His Majosty through the High Commissioner, and was now ready for installation.

"Having regard for the fact that this is a portrait of His Majesty it seemed appropriate that his representative, who is patron of our squadron, should be responsible for the portrait being duly installed," said Mr. Nprthcroft. "That happy circumstance is strengthened by his Excellency having boon so helpful to Mr. Frater in obtaining the picture for us. I ask his Excellency to deliver this portrait into our care, to bo treasured as an emblem of the love and loyalty we bear for His Majesty." "A Speaking Likeness." In formally handing over the picture, Lord Bledisloe said that he was glad to have the opportunity of seeing members of the squadron again before leaving for England. Tho portrait was, ho said, a speaking likeness as he remombered His Majesty when he last saw him, and was one which members might vnlue for hanging on their walls. It could be valued for many reasons. It could be valued not only because it was a portrait of the. King, but also because it wa's a portrait of the prince of yachtsmen. (Applause,) It could bo valuod, secondly, because for over DO years tho squndron hud enjoyed the use of the prefix "Rayal," which was not enjoyed by many* squadrons throughout the British Empire. Thirdly, the portrait could bo valued because the King, like members of the squadron, recognised that yachting in New Zealand was a democratic sport, which nearly every young man with a lovo of the sea could indulge in and was not, as in many other countries, a sport for tho rich. "God bless you and good luck to you," concluded his Excellency.

The portrait was then formally received with the playing of the National Anthem,

"Wo do not need to assure your Excellency of the spirit of loyalty in which His' Majesty is held by nil New Zealand, not lcfes by yachtsmen," said Mi , , Northeroft in accepting the portrait. "We do not forget that if His Majesty had not been called to the throne, where he had proved himself to be a great King, he would have continued to advance in his chosen profession and have become a distinguished sailor. Aβ the Admiral of the Royal Yacht Squadron His Majesty has done much for the wise government of our sport, while as an active participant in the pleasure of yachting in the Britannia he has set an example of seamanship and sportsmanship which is our greatest pride." A Reminder of Loyalty. Mr. Northeroft asked that his Excellency tender the King the squadron's most respectful homage and assure him that members would treasure his portrait as a constant reminder of the duty of loyalty they owed him, and of their duty to maintain yachting on that high

plane of sportsmanship whereon it had been placed by His Majesty's noble example,

"When your Excellency has audience of His Majesty, wo would be glad of the privilege of informing him of all you have done for its while serving here as his representative jn New Zealand,"' he said. "No doubt His Majesty .has already been told of the manner in which "you have discharged your duty here, how you have advised and helped us in our.diffleulties, how you have comforted and encouraged us, and how generously both you and her Excellency have given of yourselves and of your substance for our happiness and advancement. I fear there may not be anyone to tell His Majesty in particular of the manner in which you have sustained hero his favourite sport of yachting. We well remember your first visit to°us, when you likened those who sail in small boats here to the sturdy yeamen of England, from whom we are proud to have descended. You have never failed to show your interest in and sympathy with us. You have honoured our squadron by accepting the office of patron, and only last Saturday wo were sailing for the handsome trophy presented by you. Although we as yuchtsmen may not have the opportunity of telling all this to His Majesty, we at least to-day have the pleasure of informing your Excellency of our appreciation and gratitude for all your kindness to us." Return Visit Hoped For. In conclusion, Mr. Northcroft said that members of the squadron deeply regretted - that circumstances required his Excellency's return to England. At the same time they could not ask that he and Lady Bledisloe should longer sacrifice themselves in exile from all their friends. It was to be hoped that his Excellency would be spared to revisit New Zealand in the not too distant future, and that in tho meantime his lot would be one of happinees and honour.

"I appreciate enormously the good will you have been kind enough to extend to me," said Lord Bledisloe, "I certainly intund to come back here, if Fate is kind to me, to enjoy far more sport in, various directions than my official duties have allowed me. I shall seo His Majesty on my return, and I shall not forget your message to him," Members of the squadron gave a final farewell to his Excellency by singing "For He's a Jolly Good li'ellatf."