O.B.E. DECORATION

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 111, 12 May 1934, Page 8

0.8. E. DECORATION

VICEREGAL INVESTITURE

The investiture of Miss J. A. Mowbray, president of the Auckland branch of the Victoria League, with tho insignia of an Officer of the Order of the British Empire was performed.by the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, at the league's Empire Ball in the Auckland Town Hall.

Beforo performing the ceremony, his Excellency said Lady Bledisloc was far from well, following on a severe attack of influenza, and until half an hour beforehand it had been decided that she should not attempt to come. However, she had thought that her absence might be a disappointment to some, and particularly to Miss Mowbvay, and she had accordingly decided to attend for a short time. ■ .

The occasion was only the second during his term of office on which..an investiture had been performed outside Government House, his Excellency said. It was not on account of any apparent disabilities of age on the part of the prospective recipient that he. had decided to take the unusual course of presenting to Miss Mowbray the decoration which his Majesty had been pleased to award her. Mentally and physically Miss Mowbray was as.active as ever, but ho had thought if fitting that sheshould receive her decoration in the presence of her many ■ friends—both members of the'-league arid:tly)so outside it—on this important and* special occasion in the league's activities. '■ "It is not for me to extol'the virtues of Miss Mowbray," his Excellency said. "They are well known to you all. She is a veritable, champion of a robust and sane luiperialisin-r-a'n Imperialism which seeks; not only to cement every "part of the great British Empire, but which seeks/also to make it a centre of enlightenment,:' progress; civilisation, and peace, to the whole.'world. "

iHis Excellency referred to the fact that Miss Mowbray had been, a member of the Victoria League sinco its'inception in- Auckland .twenty-four, years ago. For "the last nine years she had been its president. "I am sure I am echoing your views," his Excellency added, "when I say. she has meritoriously. evoked your respect and your affection." . ■'• :,.'•, ~ .... ~ .. ' .

Sir Cecil Day; official secretary to-the Governor-General, read' the King's Warrant, conferring tho-title of an' Officer of-tho Order of theßfitish Empire on Miss Mowbray/ His Excellency then decorated Miss Mowbray with the insignia of the order.

Lady Blcdisloe left the hall following_ the ceremony, but iis Excellency remained for" some-''-Jjinic, chatting with Miss Mowbray and.; members "\o£- the league ana "watching: the dancing.