Spontaneous Welcome

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 70, 7 May 1943, Page 5

Spontaneous Welcome

Pohaturoa Rock yesterday

-once more bore witness to a

further historic event, in. the form l of the official reception and welcome extended to the Governor General, Sir Cyril and Lady Newall. The weather remained fine and 1 but for a chilly nor-easterly the conditions were ideal. The scene at the rock was 1 reminiscent of the centennial and other public occasions when the public has gathered on the historic spot to celebrate national events and anniversaries. The main dais which accommodated the Vice-Regal party and the official' group was flanked on 1 the right and left by the particularly smart guard of honour, furnished by the Ruatoki Home Guard and the Returned Soldiers . respectively. The Boys Band under the batten of Mr W. Jarret took up a position on the extreme left. In the immediate front lining the far roadway and footpath ranged ' the ■ crowd of approximately 700

1 people.

Their Excellencies Arrival

"The arrival of Their Excellencies "was the signal for the guard of honour to galvanise into actioijfand the manner in which the Ave.U-drilled unit came to the 'present' Avon widespread admiration.

Ncwall

As Sir Cyril and Ladv stepped from their car they were met by His. Worship the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs B. S. Barry :and the. Town Clerk, Mr J). V. Saunders, who greeted them formally.

With his Aide, the Governor then "proceeded to inspeet the motionless guard complimenting the O.C. Major Wilson on their steadiness, and smart appearance. The party wasthen joined by the Mayor and Mayoress and escorted to the dais on which were grouped representatives -of local bodies and the. M.P. for the district, Mr W. Sullivan. Others were Messrs .T. L. Burnett (County Chairman), L. Buddie (Hospital "Board Chairman), W. R. Boon (Harbour Board Chairman), and Takarua Tamerau (Matatua Maoris).

Addresses of Welcome

"I desire to extend to your Excellencies a very cordial welcome -to our town and district,"-' said the Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, in addressing Sir Cyril and Lady Newall, "and tis representative of His Majesty the King T desire to. assure you of the "unswerving loyalty to the Crown of Pakeha and Maori alike."

He. went on to snv that the citizens of Whakatane also felt proud -of the fact that as Governor General ""they had also been favoured, with a visit by one who as an Air Marshall had played a very prominent part in building up the Royal Air Forec which had proved itself such a won--derdful weapon of defence in the •dark days which sucecedcd Dunkirk. He trusted that it would not he (the visit he made to the town and assured him that if on a 'future occasion the gesture could be repeated the citizens would be delighted to show him the places of "historic interest and the scenic gems with which the district abounded.

Mr J. L. Burnett for the County -also extended a warm welcome expressing appreciation of the fact that despite his increasing war responsibilities, His Excellency had found, time to pay the district a short visit. He trusted that all circumstances would combine to make their present tour of the Bay of 'Plenty a thoroughly enjoyable one. Governor General's Reply * "This, is a time in the history of •our Empire when loyalty means a great deal," said Sir Cyril NewalU in responding to his welcome and extending thanks for the expressions of loyalty. "It is generally conceded, that in steadfastness to thb Crown New Zealand affords an •example of loyalty that is unbeaten • elsewhere." • His Excellency added that he particularly wanted to thank the Maori Home Guardsmen who formed the guard of honour. Their bearing was a credit to them, and went -on to say that he was very glad that his visit coincided with the district Scout Rally on Satur-. «day which he would be attending, i

Governor General's Visit

LOYALTY TO THE GROWN

CEREMONY AT POHATUROA ROCK

Praise for Scout Movement

"I have a very high opinion

of what the Scout organisation can and must do for this country; indeed for the world as a whole," continued Sir Cyril. "It is an international organisation and embraces the youth of all lands. The fact that Hitler wilii

not permit i;t in Germany isi proof of its high objectives."

Upon the boys and girls of to-day woukl rest problems which Avould. be greater than ever the present generation had to I'ace and it was encumbent upon uf to see to it that, they were fully equipped and trained to meet them.

Responsibility of Youth

We are lighting this war that our children may inherit from us a world in which they can be free. It is, therefore, essential that we who are grown up should do all we can to ensure that the boys and girls of to-day will know how to

make, the best use of the freedom which we are determined shall be theirs. If we fail in this, or if they are not taught to realise that freedom without self-discipline will soon be degraded into licence,, and that . every privilege entails responsibility, then we shall have fought the war in vain. At all times the upbringing of the youtii of a country must be garded as of the greatest importance. It Is more important now, perhaps, than ever before in history. For the coming generation will face problems harder to resolve than any generation has faced before, them. And must resolve those problems successfully or all the tragic suffering and sacrifice which this war has brought upon mankind, will have been in vain. If they should fail, nothing can prevent yet another and still more terrible Avar, and that would spell the doom of civilisation as Ave know it. Duty of Service One lesson above all they must learn—that happiness cannot come from material things alone. That they have responsibilities as citizens as well as rights. That they have a duty to serve their fellow-men in the interests, of the happiness and well-being of the community as a whole. If Ave can but tcacli them these things,, Ave. shall send them out into life with a real chance of success. This matter is so import-" ant that it is the concern of every' man and woman. Obviously those who come most in contact Avitlv children can do most to help them, but the. obligation does not rest only Avith parents, and school teachers. The children of New Zealand have as rich a heritage as. any upon earth. I They are born citizens of a beautiful country, peculiarly blessed by nature, and they are lifcrn citizens of the British Empire. Our Empire, with its great traditions of loyalty and service, has a duty and an allimportant p{\rt to play in the foundation of the true peace for which. Ave are lighting. Let us pledge ourselves, one and all, that Ave shall do our utmost to ensure that those avlio are bo3 r s and girls to-day shall be Avorthy of their inheritance and ready to answer the calls which, avill be made upon them. Inspection of R.S.A. Their Excellencies then proceeded to insjDect the Returned Soldiers on parade, chatting informally to each member as they passed and evincing a liA'ely interest in their actiA'itics and associations. This, interlude served possibly more than any other to enable the citizens of this tOAvn to appreciate the kindly interest Avhicii Their Excellencies displayed in all their public activities throughout the crowded day. A Maori Presentation The concluding feature of the civic Avelcome Avas fittingly enough the presentation of an elaborately carved Aval king stick from the local Maoris to the (lovcmor General by

the !)0 year old Mcrito Hetaraka of Whakatane, who despite his years advanced steadily and with head erect toward the dais, a mat slung cross-wise over his shoulders.

lakarua Tame ran the paramount Ruatoki chief introduced the nonogcnerian as the, oldest living link with the Maoris of old and inter- • prcted, the words of loyalty and goodwill uttered by the aged man. His Excellency brieflly expressed his deepest gratitude and took his leave to the accompaniment applause and cheers.