“A WHITE MAN.”

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 106, 5 April 1926, Page 2

“A WHITE MAN.”

LORD SOMERS, VICTORIA’S NEW GOVERNOR. KEEN ON AUSTRALIA. LONDON, March 23. It is now officially announced that Lord Somers has .been appointed Governor of in succession to Lord Stradbroke. Interviewed, a titled lady moving in court circles, who knows Lady Somers exceptionally well, says that the latter is an intimate friend of Princess Mary and of the Duchess of York. She frequently dines at Buckingham Palace with the King and Queen,, and entertained them in Scotland. She traces her descent from one of the most venerable families—the Fletchers of Saltoun—who were descended from Robert the Bruce.

Lady Somers, with her sister, Lady Apsley, was a y.A.D. nurse in wartime, and was married in 1921. She has a daughter, born in 1923. The lady interviewed says that it has fallen to the lot of few Englishmen representing the King overseas to take out such a charming wife. Lady Somers is under 30, and probably will bo the youngest lady to become the chatelaino of the Victorian Government House.

Lady Somers is -at present visiting Paris, choosing clothes in order to do justice to her place in Melbourne society. THE FIRST NEWS.

The first Lord Somers knew of his appointment being official was when a reporter interrupted him on the steps of tho Turf Club. At first, he politely declined to be interviewed, smilingly walking away, whereupon he was handed the official notification. Lord Somers said he had not expected tho announcement so soon. The whole affair had been a series of surprises. Ho continued: “1 always had wanted an opportunity, not only of seeing tho Empire, but of being able to feel that 1 was in a position to do something of real service in making the Dominions and the Mother Country know one another as they should.

WILL SPEAK HIS MIND

“Some of my friends say I’m a Bolshovik. Here’s tho truth: I’m a perfectly normal soul, who will always speak his mind. I haven’t the slightest doubt but that I will fit in quickly in Australia, because, although I have not been there, I imagine I know a lot about tho people already. Six of my close friends, all army colleagues, are settled in Australia. I have heard great things about the land from them, and also from Lord and Lady Apsley, with whom I have frequently discussed it. They often tell me that they will be delighted to return, when they get a chance, to this young men’s country.” Discussing his sporting activities, Lord Somers said: “i’ll play whatever and wherever 1 can. 1 eagerly anticipate seeing Flemington. I’m a great racegoer, but had not yet decided whether to follow Lord Stradbroke’s footsteps, and become an owner. 1 am just as anxious to see the crckiet grounds. 1 will certainly play cricket, but do not expect to find me a champion.” “THE SORT AYE NEED.” The interviewer referred to the Governor’s comparative youth for such an appointment, suggesting that the idea was that they would return to Britain as vigorous Dominion ambassadors. Lord Somers said: ‘ ‘That is the reason why I specially welcome tho prospect. I realise that if a man goes to Victoria when he is young and comes back young, lie can convey to headquarters a most desirable influence.” Lord Somers is a Freemason, as is his private secretary, Colonel Nicholson, a Gordon Highlander. “I’m taking my own staff, not having Lord Stradbroke’s,” said Lord Somers. “I don’t believe in legacies. lam taking all Scotsmen.”

Lord Somers is going to Paris tomorrow to join his wife. They sail in April. His only regret is that ho will miss tho tests.

Ho impressed the interviewer as an ideal Governor, of forceful personality, straightforwardness, and candour. He does not hesitate to call a spado a spade, even “a blanky spade.” He is what Australians regard as “a white man,” tho sort of newcomer that Australians would willingly stand on the wharves in thousands to welcome, if they could get them.

Lord Somers, who was a captain (temporary lieut.-colonelL in the Ist Life Guards, during the war, was awarded the D.S.O. for ■ commanding a tank battalion in the later stages. He was also awarded the Military Cross.