HOKITIKA NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 November 1938, Page 12

HOKITIKA NOTES

[OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

HOKITIKA, November 19.

The first visit of Viscount Galway to Hokitika was made the occasion for a holiday. A large crowd gathered in Hamilton Street yesterday morning when at 11 o’clock, the reception to His Excellency and Lady Galway took place on the Library steps. The school children attended in force and a guard of honour was formed by the returned soldiers under Mr P. R. Whitford. The Hokitika Municipal Band, under Mr C. B. Ross, was in attendance. On the Library steps also were the Mayor, (Mt G. A. Perry, 0.8. E.) and Mrs Perry, Mr J. A. Murdoch (County Chairman), Mr J. O’Brien (Member for Westland). Flags and bunting formed the decorations.

The Mayor extended a hearty Welcome on behalf of the citizens of Hokitika, and assured His Excellency of the loyalty of the people to the Homeland and His Majesty.

Mr O’Brien extended a welcome on behalf of the people of Westland.

The Town Clerk (Mr Coles) then redd a formal address from the citizens of Hokitika and County of Westland. '

His Excellency read a formal reply, after which he spoke to the large crowd, thanking them for the hearty welcome extended to Lady Galway and himself. He expressed pleasure at seeing so many children present.

Three cheers were given at the call of the Mayor for their Excellencies, and cheers were given for the King. The National Anthem was played by the Band. At night, His Excellency as Grand Master for New Zealand of the Masonic Fraternity, visited Lodge Westland' Kilwinning, when over 200 brethren were present. To-day the party proceed to South Westland. At Ross the GovernorGeneral will be welcomed by the Mayor (Mr K. May).