A SAD PARTING

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 129, 5 June 1929, Page 13

A SAD PARTING

GOVERNOR-GENERAL SOON

LEAVING

Now that the term of the GovernorGeneral (Sir Charles Fergusson) is drawing to a close, the gatherings which His Excellency attends are beginning to assume a valedictory character, remarks the Auckland "Herald" in reporting a farewell accorded His Excellency at the King's Empire Veterans' luncheon in Auckland. They also give public men an opportunity to say how warmly Sir Charles and Lady Alice Fergusson are esteemed.

"I am sorry that this is the last time His Excellency will be present at this luncheon," said the Mayor (Mr. G* Bail-' don). "He is leaving New Zealand early nest year,^and lam sure we all hope that he will have a pleasant sojourn until then. Ho has had a strenuous time, and has taken: part in all sorts of activities. We all know the interest that Lady Alice Fe'rgusson has taken in women's movements. I hope that they will enjoy the remainder of their days among their own people and that they will have pleasant memories of New Zealand."

"I wish to thank you most sincerely, Mr. Mayor, for your very kind words, little though ..we feel we deserve them," said His Excellency. "One of the sad things in our life just now is that every function we go to we attend for the last time. We have had five years of unalloyed happiness in the Dominion. I do not want to say too much about our departure, because we have still some happy months to come. If it could have been arranged that we should stay, nothing would have pleased us more, but other considerations had to be taken into account. It will be a sad parting, although we wish very much to see our home again." (Applause.)