LAST FAREWELLS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 78, 15 March 1935, Page 5

LAST FAREWELLS

VICEREGAL DEPARTURE Enthusiasm at the Wharf AFFECTING SCENES CBy Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 15. Although the departure of Lord and Lady Bledisloe coincided with the first rush to morning work in the city, the route was well lined with people eager to give a last farewell. Hundreds were present at the ship’s side and cheers from the kerb, a wave from Lord Bledisloe and a charming smile from Lady Bledisloe were exchanged from point to point. Parliament met this morning at 11.30 o’clock instead of the customary hour of 10.30 o’clock, to enable members to be present at the farewell on the wharf to Lord and Lady Bledisloe. Thousands of people were gathered at Glasgow Wharf and in the vicinity, and remarkable scenes were witnessed as Their Excellencies made their last farewells. All sections of the community were represented, and persona) farewells were taken of numerous officials, military and naval, and other people, besides friends and well-wish-ers. Prolonged cheering greeted Their Excellencies from time to time, and as they inspected the guards of honour and went aboard. A salute of 19 guns from Point Jerningham commenced as they went up the gangway and there were affecting scenes as the boat moved out to the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem. From the bridge Their Excellecies waved their last farewell, and the naval and military guards gave the Royal Salute -as the vessel left the wharf. Passengers who sailed by the Rang!tiki to-day included Lord and Lady Bledisloe, Admiral R. E. and Mrs. Byrd, General H. P. and Mrs. Browne, ViceAdmiral G. W. and Mrs. Campbell, Constance, the Duchess oi Westminster, Captain J. Fitzpatrick Lewis. Lieutenant J. C. Elworthy, General Sir Alexander and Lady Godley, Sir Peter and Lady Leicester, Sir John and Lady Randles, Lieutenant-Colonel R. and Mrs. Bagnall, Major A. 11. Crozier, I Professor J. N. Collie, Commander R. i A. and Mrs. Pletcher, Captain L. R. i Battyo, Lieutenant-Colonel A. C. and Mrs. - Dean.