THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 16 June 1928, Page 9

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

VISIT TO PATEA. RECEPTION THIS MORNING. LARGE ATTENDANCE OF PEOPLE (By Telegraph—. From Our Own Reporter.) PATEA, June 16. Patea looked its gayest this morning when the people of the town and country gathered in very large numbers- to greet the Governor-General and Lady Fergusson on their visitto the town. There were lines of bunting across the main street, while the words “Welcome” displayed across the street at the north and south end of the town were emblematic of the feelings of the people. A dais was arranged in front of the Town Hall, on which the Mayor (Mr. S. Fiirla.vsou) members of the Borough Council, Mr. A. T. Christensen (chairman of the Harbour Board) and other leading citizens gathered to greet their Excellencies. A guard of honour was formed of Girl Guides under Captain Gibson and Lieuts. Roberts and Masters. The Boy Scouts, under Scoutmaster Clark, looking very neat and trim- in the uniform of the corps, were also on parade. 1

Shortly after 11 o’clock the viceregal party arrived, and' was given abrief and fitting welcome by the Mayor, who expressed on behalf, of the citizens of Patea and the settlers of the district appreciation of the kindness of the Governor-General in including Patea in his itinerary of Taranaki. He stressed the feelings of loyalty to the King and l Empire held by all, and wished that their visit would, be considered not to be without interest. There were no formal addresses.

His Excellency spoke in similar terms to his Hawera speech, adding that he would Be happy to send on to His Majesty the expressions of loyalty and affection so well put by the Mayor, and assured the people that His Majesty- knew a- great deal about. New Zealand and was always pleased to hear about the people of the country. He stressed the sacrifices made for the Empire by the sons and daughters of the Dominion in the late war.

Addressing the Guides and 1 Scouts, he said how pleased he was to meet them and to talk to them. He urged them all to uphold the traditions of their movements, and said that the training they received went to make good citizens and hoped that service before self would always be their watchword.

In conclusion, he urged them l all, in whatever station in life their lot might he cast, to always do that work to the very best of their ability. He said Lady Fergusson and he -would carry away most happy recollections of the place and people. In honour of the visit a. holiday was proclaimed on Monday. Following the speeches a. team of six Maori braves under the direction of Tupito danced a Maori luaka, and in -acknowledgment his Excellency referredl happily to the interest taken by his father and Lord Glasgow, former Governors, in cementing the friendship between the races. and urged them to keep alive and hand down the traditions of history, their singing, dances and handicrafts to the generations to- come as a bond between the races.

Hearty cheers were given. At the end of the speeches l their Excellencies inspected the Guides and Scouts, and an interesting ceremony concluded. The party was entertained afterwards at the Town Hall.

ENTERTAINED AT DINNER. PATE A, June 16. After the reception the GovernorGeneral and party were entertained by the citizen® at a dinner in the Town Hail 1 !. About forty were present, the Mayor presiding. After the loyal toast had been honoured. “Our Guests” was proposed by Mr Finlaysion.

In replv, the Governor-General, in a happy speech, complimented Patea. citizens on the town and surroundings, and expressed his appreciation of the opportunity afforded of seeing such historic country. The toast of “The Army. Navy and Air Forces” was proposed hv Mr E. F. Hemingway, special reference' being madp tot the great exploits of all services in the war. The reply was made by Captain Orr-Ewing. PLACES OF INTEREST VISITED. The vice-regal party wa® taken to the hospital, and after .a short tour of inspection, went in cars to the Domain to see the Patea. playground, thence down to the beach and river mouth, inspecting the site of old Patea. Mr H. Locker pointed out place® of interest, showing the 'surroundings of the settlement in which the town of Patea began its history. Hi® Excellency showed much interest in the places, and expressed liis great appreciation of the historic interest. Afterwards the party foregathered at the Masonic Hotel, where the Mayor entertained them at afternoon tea. r ' Their Excellencies and party left by car at about 3 o’clock for Wanganui, after thanking the Mayor and the ,peo--0..,, of Patea and district for a most interesting and enjoyable stay. _ Included in the parade of Gar! Guides was a company of thirteen from the Alton company, under Lieut. Alice G ibbs.