BRILLIANT SCENE

Evening Star, Issue 23817, 22 February 1941, Page 12

BRILLIANT SCENE

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIAL THEIR EXCELLENCIES MAKE IMMEDIATE APPEAL [Pau United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 22. The Vico-rcgal party left Government House at 10. and as they proceeded through the city for Parliament House 20 Royal Air Force machines roared overhead in formation. The scene in Parliament Grounds was very brilliant, everything being beflagged, and the flower beds bright with colour. The ceremonial took place under a cloudless sky. A large crowd had gathered. Besides the guard of honour 300 returned men were drawn up at the dais.' Preceded by two mounted policemen, the cars arrived precisely on time, Sir Cyril alighting as the clock struck 11. He saluted as the present arms was given and the opening bars of the National Anthem played. After an inspection of the guard of honour he returned to Lady Ncwall, and their Excellencies mounted the dais to a ripple of applause. The warrant of appointment was read by Mr T. R. Aickin, and Sir Cyril Newall took the oath of allegiance and the oath of office, administered by Sir Michael Myers. The guard gave the Royal Salute, and the opening bars of the National Anthem were again played, His Excellency taking the salute. PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM KING. Sir Cyril Ncwall, in returning thanks for the welcome, said they were deeply touched and encouraged by the warmth and sincerity of the welcome, and felt that they were already among friends. They wanted themselves to be regarded not as strangers, but as friends. Their arrival was the climax to many months of anticipation. He gave an assurance of their intention to devote themselves to the welfare of New Zealand. He brought a personal message from the King, who had commanded him to convey His Majesty s wishes to the Government and people of New Zealand. His Majesty recognised with gratitude the assistance New Zealand was giving in the prosecution of the war, and was confident that their labours would be rewarded with victory and a just and lasting peace. Both speeches were punctuated witn applause. , . , , ~ Sir Cvril Newall then inspected the parade of returned men under Colonel A Cowles. He shook hands with and chatted with a number of men. On returning to the steps of Parliament House, he again took the Royal Salute. There were cheers from the returned men and the crowd as their Excellencies left. The whole ceremony was impressive not only for its formality and meticulous detail, but the particularly fine bearing and precision of movement shown by the guard and Air Force Band also aroused the admiration of all who were present. The spontaneity of the cheering, too, was unmistakable, their Excellencies and their family making an immediate appeal to the citizens of Wellington.