THE DUKE'S FAREWELL MESSAGE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXV, Issue 147, 28 June 1901, Page 4

THE DUKE'S FAREWELL MESSAGE.

APPRECIATION OF NFAV.ZEA-

LAND.

WORDS OF THANKS AND PRAISE

CmusicHuncii, June 27.

The following is the farewell message by the Duko of York to the people of New Zealand :—

Dunedin, 27th June, 1001, — Dear Lord Ranfurly. On (lie eve of departure I am anxious to tell the people of New Zealand how happy we have been in their beautiful land, with what regrets we leave, and what lasting feelings of gratitude we carry away for loyal enthusiasm, cordiality, and kindheartedness so universally accorded to us throughout oiir stay, I would a*k you to convey to the Government our warmest thanks for all their thoughtful and admirably carried-out plans for the accommodation, comfort and entertainment of ourselves and our otaff. In addition to the Government Houses at

•Auckland and Wellington, where you so kindly entertained us both, there aud in other cities and towns hotels were engaged for our use, private individuals and members of clubs most generously placed their houses at our disposal, and wo know that similar hospitality awaited us at those places which, unfortunately, from want of time, it was not possible to visit. The railway arrangements have been invariably excellent, and everything possible was done to ensure safety and comfort on our journeys, though I fenr thid must have entailed much extra work upon officials and employees, as well as inconvenience to the travelling public. Every attention was shown by the Post and Telegraph Departments, and their work was promptly and efficiently carried out. The police service throughout tho Colony was most satisfactory, and performed with conspicuous tact and judgment. The reviews at Auckland and Christclinrcli, at which all branches of the New .Zealand forces were represented, enabled me to form some idea of- the Colony's splendid fighting material, and brought homo to me more than ever the enormous accession of strength which the Empire can count upon if need should arise. The zeal and cheer fulness with which the Volunteers e.inio together in many instances, travelling long distances both by land and sea, was worthy of tho highest praise. I was proud beyond measure to witness the enthusiastic reception which was everywhere accorded to the contingents which have returned from South Africa. I was particularly interested in the cadet corps, some of which showed marked steadiness on parade, and when lining the streets, and the appearance and march-past of the corps at Christchurch were especially creditable. I venture to think that this movement is deserving of every encouragement, particularly as regards the provision of properly trained instructors. As apart from its physical benefits, it infuses into the rising generation a spirit of discipline and esprit de corps which must tend to make better citizens as well as good soldiers. I learn with much pleasure that among the contingents sent to South Africa were many representatives of school cadet corps, and that in one instance no fewer than between sixty and seventy from a single corps joined the force. I was especially glad to meet face to face the Maori people, to have witnessed -their vast and in teresting gathering at Rotorua, and to have had personal friendly intercourse with their leading chiefs and representatives. It was gratifying tojiear their assurance of loyalty to the King, their expressions of sorrow for their dearly loved Queen, and to experience their enthusiasm and warmness of heart towards ourselves. lam glad to think; (hat this ancient and chivalrous race is living in peace and prosperity, and sharing with their pakeha brothers the duties and responsibilities of good citizenship. To yi;ur Premier, who has accompanied us on ail occasions, I would ask you to convey our warmest thanks for his courtesy, kind attention, and untiring energy, which have in i:o small degree contributed to making 'our stay in New Zealand so enjoyable. The Duchess and I are sincerely grateful to you and Lady Ranfurly for your kind hospitality and tho unceasing care, trouble and forethought which you have displayed on our behalf. We shall look back with the ploasantest recollections to those happy days which, we spent as yoiu* guests. My best thanks are also due to your staff for the cheerful and as- \ siduous manner with which they hav'y coped with *the vast increase of work' thrown upon them in consequence of our visit. Though, unfortunately, our stay has, from force of circumstances, been a short one, I earnestly trust that the experience and knowledge of the country which I have gained and my personal intercourse with its people may in. some measure tend to sustain and enhance the existing feeling oij sympathy and interest between the* Mother "Country and New Zealand,* and thus draw still closer those ties o# affection and brotherhood by which we! are so happily united. Heartily wish-; ing that the steady growth and pros ■'

peri tin i furl

jty of tho country may ever conle —Believe me, dear Lord Rauy, very sincerely yours—George.