INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19928, 23 April 1928, Page 12

INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES

VICE-REGAL GARDEN PARTY. VERY SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S INTEREST. " Now. I want you to foci that this is your home for the afternoon." It was a happy thought that prompted the Gov-ernor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, to utter these words to representative employees in Auckland's principal industries who were gathered before him on the lawn at Government House on Saturday afternoon, because it spelt success for the first garden party of its kind in Auckland. Further, it was His Excellency's happy thought that made such a gathering possible, and such a thought well deserved the unqualified success attained.

Government House and its picturesque grounds were thronged by an interested assemblage. It is estimated there were about 800 present, and they spent an afternoon that will not easily be forgotten. Each guest was presented to Their Excellencies, who stood on the outer edge of the path in front of the main entrance, and each guest was favoured with a warm handshake and smile, while occasionally the long line of moving people would stop as His Excellency or Lady Alice Fergusson chatted intimately with this one or that.

Those who have come in close contact with the Governor-General since he arrived in the Dominion know well his keen desire to learn all lie can about New Zealand and its people. In informal talks on Saturday with representatives of the industries he learnt more about their work, their outlook on life and their general bearing than any number of tours of inspection could have taught him. Their Excellencies had prepared for bad weather, but fortunately it remained fine, with the exception of two or three light showers. Practically every room in Government House was thrown open, and hundreds thronged the thickly-carpeted halls, reception rooms, ballroom and drawing rooms. The womenfolk displayed particular interest, especially in the suite of rooms used by the Duke and Duchess of York during their stay in Auckland. The many interesting photographs, pictures, rare plate and china, and furniture, were admired by all. The scene was no less animated outside. The Auckland Artillery Band played bright music in the grounds, and the people moved about on the lawns, or along the tree-shaded paths. Afternoon tea was served in the ballroom, on the balconies and in a large marquee in the grounds. The Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, and the Mayoress, Mrs. A. D. Campbell, were present, accompanied by the town clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham, and Mrs. Brigham. Another similar garden party will be held at Government House next Saturday, when further representatives of industries will be the guests. Their Excellencies gave similar garden parties in Christchurch and Wellington.