GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 3 November 1924, Page 5

GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

SIR CHARLES FERGUSON. FAREWELLED IN LONDON. BY fcABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT LONDON, Nov. 1. The Colonial Secretary (Mr J. H. Thomas), speaking at a farewell dinner to Sir Charles Fergusson (the new Governor-General of lNew Zealand), referred to the result of the election. He declared that the verdict, having been given, must be accepted. Not only must the /King’s Government be carried on, but whatever political party was in power, one paramount consideration was the prosperity and wedbeing'of the Empire. When he handed over the seals of office he would be satisfied in his conscience that he had endeavoured to discharge his high office impartially as regards class and creed, keeping in mind that the British Commonwealth was held together not by creed, dogma and a written constitution, but by love and the bond of freedom. Mr Thomas deplored the announcement in the Press, conveying satisfaction in some Dominions at the defeat of the Government, adding that, if the Dominions resented one thing, that was the accusation of party bias. Foolish, blind people, who did not understand that, were the real enemies and danger’ to the British Commonwealth of Dominions. He insisted that whatever their choice of Government, that choice must be accepted by everybody, and just as the Dominions demanded that for themselves, so equally must they concede the right to others. Mr Thomas concluded what-vhe described as his last speech as Colonial* Secretary by declaring that the characteristic of the country was: “We must be sports.” Although tired, jaded and unwell, he would not have an outsider say that a temporary political setback had prevented him from being present. He took credit, amid laughter and cheers, for making what speakers declared to be the best appointment ever made in New Zealand, which was one redeeming feature in the Government's career. He emphasised the point that Britain must send the Dominions the best men possible, irrespective of party or class.

Sir James Allen (New Zealand High Commissioner), in proposing the toast of the guest, recalled the abortive move by New Zealand to select its own Government. He added; “May the idea long lie dead.” If there was one thing which meant more to the New' Zealanders than anything elese. it was the association of the Mother Country and the other Dominions under one crown and flag. Sir Charles Fergusson, in responding, said he had no illusion regarding his temerity in undertaking the office. -He asked for the indulgence of New' Zealanders in having to learn the run of the ropes, for he feared it might be a case of a fool rushing in where admirals feared to tread. He recalled that he left New Zealand also exactly 50 years ago, w'hile his wife was in New Zealand more recently, namely, 25 years ago. He felt that while his youthful escapades had long passed into oblivion, his wife still bad something to live dow’n. (Laughter). He hoped that forty years of soldiering would be of service to New Zealand, as he wished to be of the fullest service to all services in the Dominion, and in anything appertaining to the training of youth.