THE NEW GOVERNOR.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14512, 19 December 1912, Page 7

THE NEW GOVERNOR.

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND: (PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGBAM.) AUCKLAND, December 18. Lord and Lady Liverpool arrived by the Malwa this morning, and were received by the Acting-Administrator, Sir Robert Stout, the Prime Minister (Mr Massey), and other Ministers. They were cheered when landing, and drove to Government House. Lord Liverpool was entertained at luncheon this afternoon by the Mayor and members of the City Council at "the Town Hall. Thoso present included the Prime Minister, the Minister of Marine, Mr Justice Coorvor, Bishop Crossley, Cap'-ain Shaw (assistant military secretary), Colonel Boscawen (Hon. A.D.C.), S.r Maurice O'ltorko, Colonel Logan, th? lions. J. A. Tole, Major Harris, G. Fow.ds, W. Beehan, T. Thompson, S. T. George, Messrs A. M. Myers, J. 11. Bradney, J. S. Dickson, M.P.'s, Consuls, Mayors of suburban boroughs and chairmen of local bodies. A CIVIC LUNCHEON. Tho Mayor, in proposing the toast ot "Tho Governor Designate," said it was a happy augury that his Lordship had first placed his foot in Auckland. From the newspaper press they knew that whilo Lord Liverpool had in the Old Land attained some reputation in affairs of State, he had as a Britisher not overlooked British sport, and Aucklanders lorked forward to pleasant times in future when they offered him the best that they had in yachting, cricket, golf, football, tennis, and other sports which Auckland loved so well. The Mayor apologised for the absence of tho Administrator of the Government (Sir Robert Stout) who was unavoidably absent. The Prime Minister congratulated his Lordship auel tho people of Auckland on the favourable auspices under which the new Governor was gaining his first introduction to tho Dominion. Since leaving Auckland a fortnight ago ho (Mr Massey) had travelled rignx through to Southern Otago. New Zealand never looked better; in fact the country was looking its very best, and ho believed that Lord Liverpool could not bo anything but favourably impressed. While the people were genuinely sorry to lose Lord and Lady Islington, they would heartily join with the people of Auckland in extending a very warm welcome to Lord and Lady Liverpool. They were now within a few days of tho Christmas holidays, and ho knew it must be difficult for anyone from tbo Old Land to appreciate Christmas under blue and warm, bright, weather conditions.' But he felt sure that Lord Liverpool would find that he could enjoy himself just as much under these altered conditions as he would have done in England.. It was regrettable that they would, en route to Wellington, pass through some of the most interesting country in the dark, but later on his Excellency would have ample opportunities of seeing all that this wonderful country would have to offer. Mr Massey concluded by extending, on behalf of the people of New Zealand, the heartiest of welcomes to Lord and Lady Liverpool. LORD LIVERPOOL'S REPLY. Lord Liverpool, upon rising, was greeted with cheers. He has a resonate voice and deliberate style, well adapted to public speaking. He said he had come into the room feeling a great norvousness; in fact, tho feeling was somewhat similar to that which ho experienced when he moved the Address-in-Reply to a Soeech from tho Throne in the" House of Lords. On that occasion there had been hundreds of upturned faces watching to see how he would come through tho ordeal. To-day ho felt that those present were more kindly and less critical. Their kindly words of welcome filled him with less trepidatio.i and les3 fear. He felt that in coming amongst the people of New Zealand he was not coming amongst strangers. What he was saying was quite spontaneous. It was not an occasion for a sot speech, and he wanted to say how deeply he appreciated the warm welcome that had been extended to him by the people of Auckland. In the old days he had heard his father speak of tho great pleasure he had derived from a visit €o this country. Before lr>~v : ng London, some of his old brother officers had entertained him at d.nner. The sentiments then expressed had appealed to him most forcibly, and ho agreed with the speakers at that gathering that tho highest honour that any citizen of the Empire could earn was to be called upon to servo his King in some capacity, no matter how great or how small that service might be. (Applause.) Speaking for Lady Liverpool and himself, he could say that they would do their best to carry out successfully their .duties. Ideals were not easy to live up to. but to do something for the Empire, no matter how small, was something "worth while" to achieve. That would be his watchword, and to have accomplished something of tho k : nd would indeed bo an epitaph worth having when ono had passed away. The gathering concluded with cheers for Lord and Lady Liverpool. Lord Lady Liverpool and party' left for Wellington at six o'clock this evening.

PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS.

(srr.ciAi. to "the r„_ss.") AUCKLAND, December 18. Of middle height, with well-knit figure, dark hair turning grey at the temples, close cropped moustache, the sunburnt face that speaks of much time spent out of doors, a slight pucker at tho corners of the eyes that is always found in people with a keen sense of humour—Lord Liverpool at once impresses ono as being just the kind of man likely to make a success of the important post which he has come out to fill. He has the heartiest laugh of any Governor wo havo had for many years. When you combine this with abdity and dignity you have the ideal occupant for Government House. A perfectly natural manner, a _ steady gaze, and a quickness of perception that at once place him en rapport with fresh situations and people, are attributes that stand a Governor in good stead. Lord Liverpool has them all. Thero is a refreshing absence of what has been termed "starch,'' which is such a handicap when elealing with colonials. Tho Countess of Liverpool is bound to bo popular. She is just as unaffected as her husband. Sho is short, has a fresh complexion like most of Erin's daughters, and dresses quite simply, in good taste. She :'s keen on outdoor life, fond of gardening and flowers, and at Home spends much of her time looking after her poultry and many farm pets. • , • Lord Liverpool comes of a cricketing family, and is himself very keen on the national game of England. Lawn Tennis is another favourite pasfcme of bis. He is looking forward to the fishing and other sport for which New Zealand is famous. It is satisfactory to know that the interest Lord Islington took in tho farming community is n- OI " c tn £ n likely to be continued by the new Governor and Lady Liverpool, «s both take a keen interest in all agricultural matters. At the present juncture in the history of-Territorial training m the

Dominion, the arrival ot Lord Liverpool will br- specially welcomed, as he is a keen soldier.. He saw service in South Africa, and has always closely followed tho fortunes of tho Territorials in the Old Country, and at present holds a colonelcy in the Special Reserve Brigade. It is cert am that, our defence scheme will occupy much of his Lordship's time. Accompanying Lord and Lady Liverpool is Miss Fol jam be. who is I-ord Liverpool's nie-ce. On the trip across in the Malwa Lord and Lady Liverpool were very popular with tho passengers, raking part in all tho games and sports with much heartiness.

THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY.

(special to ''th_ tress.") WELLINGTON, December 18. Arrangements in connection with the we.coming and swearing-in of Lord Liverpool as Governor of New Acaland are now complete. A large platform has been orecK-d in front of.the Government Buildings, and numerous invitations to officials, members of local bodies, anil leading e-itizons. have been issued. The Territorials will parade in force.