AN ENCHANTING COUNTRY

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 85, 4 January 1930, Page 8

AN ENCHANTING COUNTRY

NOT SUFFICIENTLY APPRECIATED VISCOUNT CRAIGAVON’S IMPRESSIONS ACQUAINTANCES RENEWED A happy country characterised by universal cleanliness, but not sufficiently appreciated by its residents—such is the impression of New Zealand gained by Viscount Craigavon, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, who arrived at Wellington yesterday from Rotorua. The visitor left last night for Lyttelton. At Thorndon Station, Viscount Craigavon, who Is accompanied by Viscountess Craigavon, was welcomed by Mr. F. D. Thomson, O.M.G. (permanent head of the Prime Minister’s Department); M?r. D. Ardell (Internal Affairs Department); the Rev. J. Baird, and Messrs. H. May and F. Ferguson, (representing the Ulster Association), and Mr. S. S. Dean (chairman of the New 1 Zealand Rugby Union). * A Wonderful Land. “I have been simply enchanted with everything I have seen,” said Viscount Craigavon in an interview with a “Dominion” representative. “Three things have particularly impressed me during my stay in the North Island. The first is that I think New Zealand is a very happy country. The second is that I don’t think the people half appreciate how wonderful it is. I have been round the world, and I have seen everything, but I don’t think the people of New Zealand realise for one moment what a wonderful place they have settled in. My third impression was of the cleanliness and tidiness of everything. The people apparently take a pride in their homes, and even the humblest is most attractive. All seem to have taste in the layout of their gardens and show a desire to keep their places tidy.” Tourist Resorts Praised. Viscount Craigavon said he had been greatly struck with the splendours of Waitomo Oaves, with the majesty of. Mount Egmont, with the unique scenery of Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, and with the wonders of Rotorua. “On Rotorua I could delate for hours,” he declared. 1 “It is one of the most marvellous holiday resorts I have ever seen.” Renewing Acquaintances.

“I had the pleasure to-day,” Viscount Craigavon continued, “of renewing my acquaintance with Sir Joseph Ward. I was pleased to see he had bo much recovered from his illness. • I was able to recall to him that the las■ time we had a chat together was m the Albert Hall, when Sir Joseph was Prime Minister for New Zealand previously. In the north, I met Mr Coates who did us the honour ofataylng with us when he was Home. The late Mr. Massey used always to stay with us I hope successive Prime Ministers of New Zealand will adopt the same course.” Massey Avenue.

Viscount Craigavon recalled that as a tribute to the memory of trie late Mr. Massey, the drive leading to the Ulster Houses of Parliament had been named Massey Avenue. “I had to decide upon a name,” said Viscount Craigavon, and it occurred to me that Mr. Massey was the greatest living Ulsterman of his day. I am glad to say I was able to advise him of the fact that his name had been given to the drive and to hear from him before he died.” , Again expressing the pleasure it gave him to visit New Zealand, Viscount Craigavon said the Dominion was more analagous to Northern Ireland than was any other part of the world. During his tour of the North Island he had constantly met people-of Ulster birth or parentage, and he was delighted to see that their whole heart and soul was in New Zealand, and that they were proving fine citizens. ’■ Other Places of Call.

With their arrival at Wellington yesterday Viscount Craigavon and Countess Craigavon completed their tour of the Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, King Country, Hawke’s Bay, and Rotorua districts. They left last night for Lyttelton, whence they will proceed to Franz Josef Glacier, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown, Mount Cook, and Timaru. They are due back in Wellington on January 25, and will go to Masterton, returning to Wellington in time to leave for Southampton by the Rangitata on February 1 Visit to Dlr. Massey’s Grave.

Viscount Craigavon and Viscountess Craigavon visited Point Halswell yesterday and laid a handsome wreath on the grave of the late Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey. t The wreath bore the following inscription: “A tribute of affection and esteem to a great Imperialist and firm friend. From the people of Ulster.’’— (Sgd.) Viscount and Viscountess Craigavon.

Viscount Craigavon expressed himself as delighted with the conception of the memorial, and commented on the evident quality of the New Zealand marble, which was being employed in its construction. The visitors were accompanied by Messrs. D. Ardell and Mr. F. D. Thomson.