FIRST GREETINGS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 54, 5 March 1927, Page 18

FIRST GREETINGS

'EARLY WELCOMES On the day prior, to their departuro from England—6th January Their Boyal Highnesses received the following message from the GovernorGeneral of New Zealand (Sir Charles Ferguson):— f'On the eve of departure of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duehoss of York for New Zealand, I beg to express respectful good wishes to them for a pleasant voyage. The prospect

of the visit has aroused feelings of the keenest pleasure in this Dominion, and their Hoyal Highnesses are assured of a loyal and warm-hearted welcome everywhere." To this message the Duke of York replied:— "The Duchess and I are very grateful to' you for your kind message, which we keenly appreciate. We are looking forward with much pleasure to visiting- New Zealand.—Albert.'-" Similar greetings were sent from the Commonwealth by the Governor-Gen-eral of Australia (Lord Stonehavon) as follows:— / Government and people of the Commonwealth of Australia eagerly await your coming, and are looking forward to the opportunity of according you a loyal and affectionate welcome. —Stonchaven." The Duke's reply was as follows:— "The Duchess and I cordially thank the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Australia for their message, which we deeply appreciate. We are keenly looking forward to our visit to your groat country.—Albert"