NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL Sir Cyril Newali Arrives In New Zealand

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 127, 22 February 1941, Page 12

NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL Sir Cyril Newali Arrives In New Zealand

DUE IN WELLINGTON THIS MORNING Dominion Special Service AUCKLAND, February 21. ,\o ceremonies were observed when the Governor-General designate. Marshal of the Royal Air Force. Sir Cyril Xewall. G.C.8.. G.C.M.G.. 0.M.. C.8.E.. arrived at Auckland from San Francisco by the Matson liner Mariposa and left by a special train for Wellington, where he will take his oath of office tomorrow.

Sir Cyril was accompanied by Lady Newall. their three child) tn and members of the Vice-Regal suite and household, with the exception of his comptroller. Wing Commander Fl. Bevan, who had arrived in New Zealand a month ago. The party included Captain C. J. Holland-Martin. A.D.C.. Mrs. Bevan and her two young sons, and Miss Nora Walton. A domestic staff of about 20 persons also arrived by the liner.

Wing Commander Bevan ami Mr. I). E. Foully, official secretary to the Governor-General, went aboard early, with Mr. F. B. Stephens, of the Department of Internal Affairs. After the' Mariposa had berthed the first official call was made by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Barry, who bad just arrived from ■Wellington. Sir Cyril received the Minister in his suite on the upper deck and the interview lasted about a quarter of an hour. The mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, arrived next, carrying a small bouquet of orchids and other choice flowers as a gift to Lady Newall. The chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, Air. Hendry Luke, also paid his respects.

As the callers were arriving Sir Cyril’s daughters, Georgiana and Diana, aged 14 and 13 respectively, played ping-ping on the promenade deck nearby, while their small brother, Francis, aged 10, walked about and observed events with grave composure. All were charming specimens of unaffected English childhood, and those who saw them were certain they would make many friends in New Zealand. No governess accompanied them on the trip. As they were at boarding schools in England, it. appears possible that they will continue their education at suitable schools here. Lady Newall. Lady Newall made several appearances in the vestibule while preparations for disembarking were being imide, and chatted with officials. Her alert and vivacious interest, in everything left the impression that she would play her part, to the full us the wife of the Governor-General. Though he had declined to be interviewed. Sir Cyril, who was wearing mufti, gave every assistance to .Press photographers, marshalling his family on the promenade deck for a group and even telling the children to say "Cheese” immediately before the cameras clickedj an old device for ensuring a pleasant expression. It appeared-that they had gone through a similar ordeal a good many times on the long journey across North America ami the Pacific. Before leaving the ship Sir Cyril and Lady Newall called on Captain Meyer in his quarters and bade him goodbye. As they stepped from the ship’s gangway ou to the wharf. Sir Cyril raised his hat in salute to New Zealand soil. His last act before getting into his eaj- for the short trip to the railway station was to wave cheerily to photographers with an inquiry, “Did you get it?” The departure was watched by a small crowd of waterside workers and others. There were about 50 people on the station platform to watch the departure of the special train at 11 a.m. The children, who arrived first, explored the carriages thoroughly in the few minutes before the train left. Lady Newall found time to chat with two women representing the Bed Cross, who had deposted a bouquet of fiowers and New Zealand fern in the lounge car.

it was learned that during the voyage from San Francisco, which was made in a good deal of unpleasant weather, Sir Cyril and Lady Newall were ou very happy terms with their fellow passengers and the ship's officers. From Suva onward they had the company of the Governor of Fiji. Sir Harry Luke, who has come to New Zealand for a short holiday at. Rotorua and Wellington.

Sir Cyril and Lady Newall will be present at a memorial service for the late Lord Baden-Powell in the Wellington Town Hall tomorrow afternoon. A civic reception will be held there on Monday night.