VICE-REGAL VISIT

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 10 December 1931, Page 5

VICE-REGAL VISIT

LORD AND LADY BLEDISLOE HAWERA’S WARM WELCOME MORNING SPENT WITH CHILDREN, His Excellency i-Ae Govern or-Geneirai, Lora accompanied by Lady JJleuisioe, paiu an otticaai visit to Hawera uy-uay. 'Hie Vice-Kegal paity aanveu iasc evening and spent tne iugnt on Loaru tneir ao luxe railway ita-eeping unci parlour car at tli© nan era station, oeing free tor public engagements from v. 40 o’clock tans u.wrnaig. inru ana Luay Bledisloe nrst attenaea at tne nawern Maui »ciiooi ana later proceeded to King jiu ward Bark, tiie Hawera Technical xxigii school, Tuxutnru-MOKai reserve, iniopecuxi i. mouef JL'aranaiu dairy farm ana also tbe marry iaDoratory. They lunclietl privately at the Central Hotel ujiU were accorded a civic reception at tiie Opera Mouse tins aiternoon. at tne Hawera, Main School an open air assembly ox til© combined scboois of the town and immediate environs was neid. well ueiore tne appointed time tiie children were grouped by their leaduers around the raiseu piatiorm with its oachgiouna oi native terns ana nags. m guard oi honour was imnishea by the older girls anu boys, uno stood in iinei irom the dais bo the main entrance gates. The Mam School Mintaiy Band, conducted by Mr M. C. A. box, was on parade at tne nagistuir and the buna's, performance and smart appearance was referred to later uy Jttiti nxceiiency. ' liie Mayor (Am- E. A. Paceyj and Mrs Lacey received their Excellencies on arrival at the gates. Members of tne Mawera .Borough Council, including Messrs W. 'U. Strange, G. J. Bayly, A.. K. North and J. E. Laurenwon, tne Town Clerk (Mi 1 M. S. Elliott) ana Mr M. Ci. Dickie, M.r., also were present. A welcome to tne school was extended by the headmaster (Mr J. W. 'ilhomas; and Dr. VV. M. Thomson, chan-man oi the school committee who was accompanied by Mi’s Thomson. Entering the grounds tne party came to attention whne the band played tbe National Anthem, Lord Bledisloe at its conclusion askmg: ‘•Who are these boys who play so nicely Contrary to prearranged plan, and to the delight oi the large crowd His Excellency and Lady Bledisloe walked over to tne boys and congratulated them on their fine performance. “Never before have I heard such a young band play so well,” lie said, addressing the conductor. “It is something j*aat I shall remember for a long time to come.” Lord Bledisloe rejoined the party and with the Mayor, followed by Lady Bledisloe and Mrs Pacey, the long line of boys and girls forming the guard of honour was inspected. A word here and a friendly smile there won the hearts of the young people. Lady Bledisloe was delighted with the infants and before mounting the platform was presented with a shower bouquet by Barbara Goodchap—the youngest girl at school. Dr. Thomson addressed Their Excellencies and said the pupils gave an assurance of their loyalty to the Throne and to His Majesty’s representative in New Zealand. Lord Bledisloe, he knew, was interested in livestock, but nowhere would lie see finer ‘.‘livestock” than tbe healthy, smiling boys and girls assembled before him. “When you grow up and have to make a speech remember three things,” said Dr. Thomson, turning to the children. “One is to stand up, the other speak up, and the third shut up. I have carried into effect the first two, but before I perform the third I want you to give three cheers—hearty ones.” 'When the cheering had subsided Lord Bledisloe rose from his chair and was greeted with a further burst of applause. His Excellency said that he and Lady Bledisloe rejoiced to be in Hawera as representatives of His Majesty the King. Never had they seen a bonnier lot of children anywhere in New Zealand than in Hawera, “and there are a bonny lot of children in this country,” he said. “You say I am interested in livestock,” remarked His Excellency, turning to the chairman. “Yes, Dr. Thomson, the sort of livestock I see before me this morning. Your children are a credit to your very fine town.” They had started in life sound in mind and body and His Excellency hoped they would avail themselves of every opportunity to develop strong characters and to do only that which was good and righteous. “You have before you tbe most magnificent mountain in the world,” said His Excellency, rei'ei-ring to Mount Egmont, which rose majestically in the distance, clcar-cut in the morning sunlight. “It is crowned with a white mantle and reminds me that at Home we call a person who has done a good ivork or deed a ‘white man.’ I want you to take a lesson from that glorious mountain and aspire to the highest ideals.” Lord Bledisloe inquired whether he should say more and there was an immediate response from scores of young people of “yes, Sir I” Continuing, the speaker referred to the number nf Maori children present and reminded the pupils that the Maori race was on terms of equality with the white face. “You who have white faces and are in the majority remember that the Maori once was the sole inhabitant of tip's fair land,” he said. The Maori people were loyal to the throne, a great people and there was a great deal more yet to be learned from the race. Concluding his brief address His Excellency asked that the school authorities declare a holiday in honour of the visit of Lady Bledisloe and himself, an announcement that was received with an outburst of cheering. Selections'were played by _ the band as Their Excellencies -were introduced to members of the teaching staff and the school committee.