VICE-REGAL TOUR

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 119, 13 February 1926, Page 8

VICE-REGAL TOUR

WHAKATANE AND .OPOTIKI VISITED By Telegraph.—Press Association. Whakatane, February 13. The Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) and Lady Alice Fergusson and Mr. Bernard Fergusson visited Whakatane yesterday, and were warmly welcomed, by the citizens. The ViceRegal .party visited the. school, and received a hearty welcome from the children. The Governor-General delivered an appealing address to the children, and planted an oak tree in the school grounds. . The citizens then assembled at the Domain, where the Mayor (Mr. W. Sullivan) and the county • chairman (Mr. W. Reid) welcomed the visitors, after which a visit was paid to the public hospital, and the party made a thorough inspection of . the building, being entertained at afternoon tea by the hospital staff. At the Owhataiti Native School, the Natives assembled and gave the visitors a typical Maori welcome, with hakas at night. A Masonic function was held in honour of the Governor-General, and the Mayoress gave a reception to Lady Alice Fergusson, which was attended by ladies from throughout the district. The Vice-Regal party left for Gisborne, via Opotiki, this morning. AT OPOTIKI. Opotiki, February 13. The Governor-General and Lady Alice Fergusson arrived at 11.50 a.m., and were welcomed by the Mayor, Mr. Moody, also by Mr. Hogg and Billie Wright and Koopu Erueti (Maori tribes). Mr. Wright presented His Excellency with an historic greenstone earring, which the ..Governor-General said would be treasured with the mere presented to his father. The Vice-Regal party visited the school. The Governor-General addressed the children, and subsequently the visitors were entertained at luncheon. They then met the residents in the hall, after which they left for Motu.