VICE-REGAL VISIT

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 34, 4 November 1937, Page 15

VICE-REGAL VISIT

St. Patrick’s College, Silverstream EXPRESSIONS OF LOYALTY An official visit to St. Patrick’s College, Silverstream, was paid by the Governor-. General, Viscount Galway, yesterday afternoon. He was l met upon arrival by the rector and teaching staff and by the boys drawn up in company formation in front of the college buildings. His Excellency, after inspecting the college cadets, witnessed a display of company drill, taking the salute at the march past. Subsequently addresses of welcome were presented in the college assembly hall by the rector, the Very Rev. J. W. Dowling, S.M., and the head prefect, K. A. O'Connor. His Excellency expressed his gratitude to the rector and staff and to the boys for their warm welcome. He asked them to remember that it was not only fine buildings and an excellent staff but the boys themselves that made the school. He urged the boys to profit by the training that was given them, to acquire the knowledge and build the character that would enable them to fight the battle of life. “Carry the good name of your school throughout the Dominion,” said his Excellency. “By your spirit of contentment and happiness you will make the world in which you move a happier and a better place. This is the cordial wish of my heart.

“The expressions of loyalty contained in the rector’s address and in that of the boys pleased me exceedingly,” he continued. ‘Though New Zealand is the Dominion farthest removed from the Homeland, loyalty is strong here and is well expressed. You rightly referred in your addresses to tbe privileges you enjoy in belonging to the British Commonwealth of Nations. It is a great thing to have freedom and it is, generally speaking, only in lands over which the British flag flies that we are able to enjoy freedom of thought, action and development. Furthermore, it is a great thing to have peace, and it cannot be doubted that the strength and influence of the British Commonwealth of Nations are the greatest factors for peace in the world to-day. “I shall carry back to the Homeland among my many treasures of memory your excellent address,” concluded Viscount Galway. “It will always remind me of a very pleasant afternoon spent among you. The rector has consented to grant you a holiday in honour of my visit. I wish you all success in your activities and great success for your school.” Hie Excellency partook of afternoon tea with the college staff and afterward in epected the buildings and grouhds.