AN ISLAND DEFENDER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1038, 10 June 1924, Page 10

AN ISLAND DEFENDER.

LORD JF.LLICOE'S SERVICE. DESIRE FOR HIS RETURN. Tribute was paid by the Auckland Rotary Club last week to the Empire service of Lord Jellicoe as a. naval leader in the world war aiid us Governor-General of New Zealand during the lost four years. The deep feelings of Rotariuns and, indeed, of the whole of this intensely British community expressed felicitously by the president, Mr Kenneth Mackenzie. "We regret, sir,'' said Mr Mackenzie, "that this will probably be the last occasion your Excellency will be with us in your official capacity. All of us well remember the thrill of pleasure and pride when we heard you had accepted the Governorship of our Dominion. Wo nil know that high hopes are sometimes doomed to disappointment. Have we been disappointed 1 ("Members on the instant thundered No !)" "No, sir, you and your family have endeared yourselves to the people of New Zealand. 'Your names will ever be held in honour and love among us. We deeply regret that the term of your is drawing to a close. We trust that New Zealand may call to you again, that you may visit us, if not in an official capacity, at least in a private capacity; you yourself must be aware of the welcome which will await you here." "I feel it rather difficult suitably to reply to the kind words you have spoken on beluilf of the Rotary Club of Auckland," said Lord Jellicoe. "When the time comes for us to go we shall leave these shores with feelings of the very deepest regret. We have spent nearly four years in New Zealand, and wo have experienced how exceedingly kind and warm-hearted the people of New Zealand can be. I have spent some very happy times among the Rotarians of New Zealand and my only lapses have been these few moments when I have made speeches. The necessity to say good-bye brings to mo a very, very great sadness. We have made, I venture to hope, a great many friends in this Dominion. In fact I feel that the whole of the Dominion is one big friend to us. (Applause.) "I believe it is not auppossd to be etiquette for one who has been a. GovernorGeneral to revisit that Dominion, but—but possibly there are exceptions to rules, (Prolonged applause). It may be necessary to grow a beard and come* back :n disguise. I feel that even if one were disguised you would give me tho same, warm welcome. I am quite 6uro that if it be possible to revisit New Zealand during my lifetime it will be u very friendly time should I have that opportunity." (Applause.)