FAREWELL BANQUET TO THE GOVERNOR

Grey River Argus, 8 April 1904, Page 3

FAREWELL BANQUET TO THE GOVERNOR

» ' (PER PRESS - ASSOCIATION.) At the Governor's farewell banquet to-night there was a large representative attendance of all classes. The Hon* H. F. Wigram presided. Col Pitt, represented the Government. The Hon Mr Wigram proposed the toast of the Governor in a short appreciative speech. His Excellency, who was" received with loud applause, said that he had had the good fortune to hold office during prosperous years, and his actions had therefore been looked upon with kindly eyes. It happened to few to have the privilege of adding a bit of land to the Empire, and he had ! been very proud to have the honour of raising the British flag on some Islands of the Pacific. These Islands were far from being useless possessions, as was sometimes suggested. He referred to the remarkable increase in the general prosperity of the colony, aS instanced by the exports. Regarding the Maori race, he said that there was promise of progress, and his recent trip had been the most interesting he had ever taken. The Maoris had become as loyal and true as British, and this alone meant vast progress. He said that the new departure in the establishment of Tourist and Health Departments was one of which New Zealand should be proud. Already there had been a vast increase in the tourist traffic and this would increase as the tourist resorts became known and accommodation, improved. The colony had 1 undoubtedly a magnificent future, though he thought a fall in price of some articles of expert was to be expected as competition on the Home market became more keen. In conclusion he said that he would retain his .interes in the colony and would do all in his power to assist its progress. Other toasts were His Excellency's Advisers," proposed by Sir John Hall, and replied to by Colonel Pitt. "The Antarctic Expedition " was proposed by the Hon C. C. Bowen and replied to by Captain Scott of the Discovery and Captain Colbeck of the Morning.