NEW GOVERNORGENERAL

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23262, 24 February 1941, Page 6

NEW GOVERNORGENERAL

CEREMONY AT WELLINGTON

WARM WELCOME TO THE DOMINION

(PBPS3 ASSOCIATION TKLEGEAM.) WELLINGTON, February 22. The Governor-General-designate, Sir Cyril Newall, accompanied by Lady Newall and family, arrived this morning in brilliant weather. The s P e Jp’ a j train arrived from Auckland promptly on the scheduled time, 8.55 a,m. The Administrator. Sir Michael Myers, who was accompanied by the Clerk of the Executive Council (Mr C. A. Jeffery) entered the Vice-Regal carriage and greeted Sir Cytil Newall. The station platform was decorated with flags, and a red carpet led to tne edge of the platform, beyond whicn was drawn up a guard of honour from the Army School at Trentham and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Just after 9 o’clock the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. ?. Fraser) entered the carriage, and shortly afterwards Sir Cyril Newall set foot, in Wellington. He received a Royal salute, following which he, with the Administrator and Chiefs of Staffs, inspected the guard, while the Air Force band played in slow measure a Maori melody, “Ee Pari Ra ” After the inspection. Mr Fraser presented to bn Cyril and Lady Newall Ministers of the Crown and their wives, the High, Commissioners for the United Kingdom and Canada and their wives, menu bers of the Legislative Council and House of Representatives and their wives, the Chiefs of Staffs, and the Commissioner of Police. The ceremony at the station closed with the Royal Salute.

Cheers from Crowd All tiiese proceedings were Watched from the outside by members of the public, who gathered also at the vehicle exits and cheered as the cars left. The Vice-Regal party went to the Citizens’ War Memorial, where Sir Cyril was presented to representatives of the Wellington and New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, and placed a wreath on the memorial. Sir Cyril was then driven to the Town Hall and introduced by Mr Fraser to the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs T. C. A. Hislop The ceremony there was informal, the Mayor introducing councillors and their wives and the chief officers of the council. A quarter of an hour later, Sjr Cyril and Lady Newall, who carried a bouquet of gladioli, drove to Government House, accompanied by spontaneous cheers from people gathered outside the hall. The Vice-Regal party left Government House at 10.50 and as they proceeded through the city for Parliament House, 20 aeroplanes of the Royal New Zealand Air Force roared overhead in formation. The scene in Parliament grounds was brilliant, everything being beflagged. Returned Men in Guard Besides the guard of honour 300 returned mAi were drawn up at the dais. Preceded by two mounted policemen, the cars arrived precisely on time. Sir Cyril Newall alighting as the clock was striking 11. He saluted as the order to present arms was given ana the opening bars of the National Anthem played. After ' inspecting the guard of honour, he returned to Lady Newall. and their Excellencies mounted the dais to a burst of applause. The Warrant of Appointment was read by Mr T. R. Aickin and Sir Cyril Newall took the oath of allegiance and the oath of office was administered by Sir Michael Myers. The guard gave the Royal Salute and the opening bars of the National Anthem were again played, - his Excelfency taking the salute. Preserving Civilisation Mr Fraser, in extending a welcome on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand, assured Sir Cyril and Lady Newall of the most earnest desire that their stay In New Zealand might be happy. They would find the people imbued with all the characteristics, spirit, and highest tradition of the British race, he said. Men and women were inspired with a fervent wish to share to the full with their kinsfolk in the United 'Kingdom and elsewhere in the task of defending their lives and liberties, and in preserving Christian civilisation, and the democratic way of life. Mr Fraser added that he took the opportunity of stating that New Zealand appreciated more than words could tell the splendid and inspiring example of Their Majesties the King and Queen, who were' willingly and courageously sharing all dangers to which the heroic people of Britain were exposed. New Zealand had embarked upon its war effort with a firm determination to strain every nerve and sinew, and spare no sacrifice to make its contribution the fullest and most effective within its power. He assured his Excellency that the country faced the future with no other feelings but those full of confidence in ultimate victory. A Distinguished Record In this grave critical hour, it was a matter of great satisfaction that a Governor-General with so distinguished a record should have come to live in New Zealand. It was most appropriate in the present circumstances that the representative of the King should come from the armed services and .from among the' most conspicuous of those who had given such unstinted services to the Empire during the present conflict. We count ourselves singularly fortunate on this occasion that New Zealand should have as Governor-General an airman of such exceptional experience, one whose profound kriowledge of problems of modern warfare in all Its phases demands the very highest respect and one whose .achievement in building up the Royal Air Force until it has become the finest in the world commands the undying gratitude of the British people,” he added.'

Mr Fraser said that the welcome was extended on behalf of both races. Maori and pakeha, stressing how they were bound together in a common destiny and freely united once again in offering their blood In the defence of democratic ideals.

Sir Cyril then inspected the parade of returned men under Colonel A. Cowles. He shook hdhds with, and chatted with a number of men. On returning to the steps of Parliament House he again took the Royal Salute. There were cheers from the returned men and thd crowd as their Excellencies left,