VICE-REGAL VISIT.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 243, 30 September 1911, Page 6

VICE-REGAL VISIT.

PRESENTATION OF MEDALS.

an’ interesting; ceremi>ny.

Th e< ( r ri.«>ny of present ing longservice initial- at the Garrison Hail, Napier, last night was an interesting though brief one. Trie latterly cold night prevented many of the townspeople from attet'.uir.g. although there was a fair gathering, principally laities, upon the stage. There was a good muster of the Territorials under Colonel H.-b.p. and the Garrison Band was also present. The Territorials were drawn up in open order facing the entrance, with the band on the right.

His Excellency arrived promptly at 8.3 n, and immediately lie entered the doorway the men saluted and the band struck up the National Anthem.

His Excellency made a brief inspection of the troops with Colonel Hislop and mounted the stage. The troops changed front ami the ceremony proceeded.

The first to receive his decoration was the popular Major (now Colonel) Gascoyne, who dates his connection with the auxiliary forces of the Dominion back to !*•»>;. His Excellency expressed special pleasure in making this presentation. Then followed the presentations to Captain M. Fraser (Col. and Aux. Forces medal) ; Id years' -ervlee. Captain Skelly (N'.Z. long and efficient service medal) 12 years' service. < olor-Sergt. Grindell and Sergeant Minett (N.Z. service medals).

Lord Islington briefly addressed the gathering, saying that it was a great pleasure for him to come to Napier and present the medals earned l»y distinguished service by the officers and men of the district. Their records were familiar to the public, therefore it was unnecessary for him to dwell upon that feature. It was certainly a peculiar pleasure for him to present the medals, especially to Major Gascoyne, who was well-known and highly regarded in the district, and who in the critical times had rendered distinguished service to the Dominion, the Empire, and his Queen. All w-ho had been presented with medals were illustrations of many others who in past years had rendered diligent, loyal service to the Crown. They stood out as great examples to those in the ranks that night, and he hoped others would earn a similar recognition. New Zealand had just entered into a different military system to that the country had hitherto conducted. From what he had observed he thought the scheme they were steadily trying to establish was going to be a great credit to New Zealand and the Empire. M hile he was (>overnor he would take the keenest sympathy and interest in the progress of the military scheme of the Dominion. Most of those present that evening were those who had shown their loyalty by joining the forces under the old voluntary system, and he was sure they would set a good example and give encouragement to the new men. They could do much and he felt sure they would do it well. He repeated that it was a pleasure to come amongst them and jjerform the interesting ceremony. He complimented Colonel Hislop, the officers and men upon the excellent appearance of the parade. He hoped to have a further opportunity of seeing the different branches of the service of this district in the field and he felt sure that in such case the favourable impression which he would take away with him that evening would be greatly enhanced. His Excellency then left the hall, and the gathering dispersed.

HI KARERE SCHOOL. LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE. AN IMPORTANT GATHERING. The postponed ceremony of laying the foudnat ion-stone of the Hukarere Native Girls’ School was held this morning. Luckily the weather cleared up, and the day was bright and fine, although a cold wind blew and occasional passing clouds made the gathering slightly apprehensive of rain. Fears were unfounded, however, and the sun was bright,/, shining when the ceremony concluded. The structure had been gaily decorated with bunting.

Bishop Averill. Bishop Williams, and a large number of clergymen were present, also prominent lay i.iembers of the Anglican Church, and numerous important natives.

The Te Ante Naval Cadets formed a guard of honour for His Excellency and the Hawke s Ba\ Mounted Rifles were also in attendance. His Excellency the Governor was met by his Lordship the Bishop and other clergy, anti escorted to the platform, the choir striking up the National Anthem as he arrived.

Bishop Averill presented Lord Islington with a loyal address ot welcome, to which His Excellency made a fitting reply.

Hymn number 165 was sung and the Bishop addressed the gathering, concluding with the Apostle’s Creed. The Governor then performed the ceremony of laying tue foundation stone, saying: —"To the glory of God. we lay this foundation, that in this place the fear of God and useful learning may ever abide, in the Name of the Father, and the Son. and of the Holy Ghcs<." The stone bore the following inscription To the Glory of God and for the Education ami uplifting of the M aori Race. Th s was laid by His Excellency the Right Honourable John Poynder DicksonPoyndrr. Baron Islington. Governor of ttie Dominion of New Zealand. Septembt r 2!' 1 . !:>H. After the singing of nymn< Bishop Williams <»ff« red up prayers in English and Maori, and hymn concluded the first part of the programme. His Lordship B -hop Averill then Briefly expressed thanks to the Gov < rnc.r for i»>n-»ntimz to lay it.- <ti.n<and- also for h_- m im-eting 11. r jj v ■. ti r, g trd l■ i 11.•- i' i■*-r:*■ m.ent H;s Ex, . “.r,.*, had really given th> rti two dav* instead - f "Hr.

He hoped Lord Islington would look back on the occasion as one of the interesting events in his useful life in New Zealand.

In reply His Excellency delivered an eloquent address, speaking without notes, as is his custom. He was glad indeed to have nad the opportunity of accepting the invitation of the Lord Bishop to lay the foundation stone. It was an event of no small interest to the town of Napier, and equally of no small importance to the Natives and Europeans outside the diocese. It was satisfaction to him to know that his first speech in Napier was in connection with so interesting and useful an institution to this town and New Zealand. Referring to what had been done in the pa-t. he said the ceremony that day was inaugurating a wider and more extended scope than had hitherto been possible. He was particularly glad to be present and co-operate in the association with the Native community in this part of New Zealand. He also touched upon the useful course of training given the girls, and the character, development and general excellence of the school cuirieulupi. He referred also to the keen interest displayed by their Majesties King George and Queen Mary in the Natives of New Zealand. Mr. Taranaki Te l'a addressed the gathering through an interpreter, after which a collection was taken up. . The Bishop then pronounced the Benediction.