Fergusson family chronicle

Press, 29 December 1979, Page 13

Fergusson family chronicle

Travel Warrant. By Bernard Fergusson. Collins, 1979. Illustrated. 263 pp. Index. $15.95. (Reviewed by Donald Bain) Bernard Fergusson has been a more prolific writer than most professional soldiers; and since, tn retirement, he has held onerous, responsible and busy office in various capacities, notably that of Governor-General of New Zealand, his production of a dozen books is an amazing achievement. Most of them have been about other people, with a couple of novels and two volumes of verse thrown in. “Travel Warrant” is more personal to the author, chronicles his contacts with people in high places, traces his family connections and traditions in Ayrshire, and in large measure puts on record incidents and tales that are appropriately dedicated to his son Geordie. As an addition to the Fergusson family record this book is a valuable contribution.

New Zealanders took Brigadier Sir Bernard Fergusson, now Lord Ballantrae of Auchairne and the Bay of Islands, very much to their hearts, and they will appreciate the enthusiosm and vigour which characterise this book just as they enjoyed the friendliness and the loyal attributes of the man himself. Bernard Fergusson is in love with New

Zealand, and those passages In his chronicle that refer to his several visits here are replete with fulsome words of affection far the country and for its people. How else could he with grandfathers and father who preceded him as Governors-General — though one, in legalistic reality, was Governor Only — and with a good lady who has lent her name to the Laura Fergusson Trust? All in all, however, this personal travelogue has its disappointments. It lacks the depth that we know lies within the author. An occasional factual lapse — today’s Mayor of Christchurch is not a descendant of the Banks Peninsula founding Hay, and the book’s index is by no means complete — must cast doubt on the authenticity of some other references; and not everyone is raptly interested in what at times becomes a recital names, titles, relationships and places not always of telling significance. Yet Bernard Fergusson’s grc<t mana surely allows him to take some pride in recording his associations in so many parts Of the world. New Zealanders in particular will recollect with pleasure many of the episodes in which they, with their erstwhile Governor-General, were involved; as also will people of other Pacific countries and of Africa, the Middle East and Europe where the presence of a Fergusson made a grand impact.