THE DUKE'S THANKS

Evening Post, Issue 25, 30 January 1935, Page 13

THE DUKE'S THANKS

AN ENJOYABLE VISIT

IMPRESSED BY PEOPLE'S -

LOYALTY

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) . RUSSELL, January 29. Tho Duko of Gloucester, "before- his departuio from Eussell for Fiji today, sent the following farewell message to tho Governor-General (Lord Bledisloc):—

Your Excellency,—l appieciate the message of farewell and good wishes which you are good enough to send to me on behalf of the Government and people- of New Zealand, and I ask you to accept youiself, and to convey to them, my waimeat thanks ,I'or my most enjoyable visit to1 the Dominion and tor the coidial wcl-, come which I have everywhere- ' 'lecoived. I wish especially to express my gratitude to all those who have been concerned with the organisation and arrangements of tho tour and have made it, so comfortable .and interesting. Tho consideration shown in the piepaiations of my programme has enabled me, .with tho least possiblo effort,'to travel through'many paits of'New Zealand,, observing, its conditions and its beauty, meeting, its people and taking part in the sport, which it offers. I have been particularly impressed by the unmistakable assurunce of New Zealanders' loyalty to the King and the Empiie, and by tho welcome appearance of health and happiness in the children. I would' ask'your Excellency to assure the peoplo of New Zealand that I sympathise 'deeply with them in the difficult -times through which they are passing, and that I shall take an affectionate interest in their welfare through the years to come. —Henry. ' • THE NAVAL VISIT. \, , In reply to his farewell message tho Governoi-Gencial received the fol< lowing from Captain McLeod, of H.M.A.S. Australia:—

Your Excellency,—l, my ofiiccrs, 'and tho ship's company thank .you sincerely for your kind message. Wa have all thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Dominion of New Zealand, and aro most grateful-to you and tho people we have met for the great hospitality extended to us. .We leavo New Zealand and tho :jnany friends we have made with 'the greatest regret. We are happy- 'to think that, as members of tho JJpyal Australian Navy, we have contributed'in a small way to cement-,-the bond of friendship that exists between the Commonwealth andf, the Dominion. Good-bye—Captain McLeod.