THE GOVERNOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15235, 24 February 1913, Page 8

THE GOVERNOR

VISITING THE BACK BLOCKS. .UNCONVENTIONAL WELCOMES. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN COBBESPOHDENT.] WijiGAOTi, Sunday. His Excellency the Governor, Lord Liverpool, although he has only been in the Dominion a brief time, has given evidence that he does not intend to have the whole of his time monopolised by cities and populous centres. He is getting out into the back blocks, and there he is finding hospitality and loyalty to King and country not exceeded by the people of the towns. His Excellency, accompanied by the Countess of Liverpool, a few days ago met the tribes of the Wanganui settlements at Jerusalem, a place visited by only two previous Governors. Following up that experience, Their Excellencies drove across country to Raetihi, tho commercial and stock centre of Waimarino. The visit was vested with now interest, inasmuch as that territory— which is now merging from the bush into a farming district— never previously been penetrated by a representative of the Sovereign.

When the coach conveying Their Excellencies and suite appeared, there was a general outburst of enthusiasm and a general rush to get a view of the first Governor to pierce the confines of that way-back district.

Upon arrival at the show ground Their Excellencies were met by Mr. R. W. Smith, M.P. for the district, and Mr. W. Harris, chairman of the agricultural and pastoral association, which that day was holding its fourth annual show. Though the great majority of the people present were pakelias, there was a fair sprinkling of Maoris, and the latters' excitement at seeing "their father" rose to boiling point. They took a band in the reception. One wahine did not wait for any invitation to take part- in tho proceedings, but with her song of welcome, accompanied by gestves, led the way round to the platform upon which the Governor was to be formally welcomed. Another party of natives danced a haka, while the band struck up the National Anthem, and all were going at one time. On the whole, therefore, there was a distinct variety in the methods of welcome. Nevertheless, there was a spontaneous outburst of good feeling towards our new Governor, in which Maori joined with pakeha in giving a cordial and very hearty welcome to the representative of the King.

In reply to formal welcomes from Mr. Hams and Mr. R. W. Smith, M.P., His Excellency briefly thanked the speakers for the loyal references made, and the people of Waimarino for the very kindly reception accorded to both himself and the Countess of Liverpool. He further commented on the splendid feeling of unity in matters of loyalty to the Empire. He indicated in a happy speech that he intended, during his term of office in the Dominion, not only to go into the populous places, but, in company with the countess, to see as much of the country and as many of the people as they possibly could. It was his great object to further the interests of the Dominion, not only while he was here, but also when he returned to the Home Land.

Lord and Lady Liverpool then visited the produce hall and saw a most creditable display. The stock sections and jumping competitions were also viewed with considerable interest, and His Excellency expressed "iimself as being both pleased and astonished at the fine exhibition, ancl at what had been accomplished in so short a time.