NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20518, 20 March 1930, Page 12

NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL

WARM WELCOME GIVEN.

SWEARING-IN CEREMONY.

A BRILLIANT SCENE.

ASSURANCE OF LOYALTY.

[BIT TELEGRAPH. —FRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

Wellington this morning bestowed upon the Governor-General-Dosigntito, Lord Bledisloe, and Lady Bledisloe, a welcome befitting tho Dominion. Thousands of people made their way to Pipitca Wharf in order to have a glimpse of Their Excellencies' arrival from the Rangitiki in the stream, and many hundreds more awaited the passing of the Vice-Regal party from the Pipitea Wharf to Government House, via the Town Hall. Many vessels at tho wharves were dressed for tho occasion, and flags and bunting were flown from the main buildings. Two aeroplanes circling overhead were a sign of the Dominion's progress since the welcome extended to the last Governor-General. The typical autumn morning showed the city in an attractive phase. Official visits were paid to the vessel in the stream by Ministers and other officials.

Cheering Crowds In Street. Lord and Lady Bledisloe landed at 10 o'clock and after a welcome and the presentation of an address by the Harbour Board at the wharf drove to Government Houso. They called at the Town Hall on the way for an informal welcome by tho Mayor in the portico. The routes through tho streets were lined with cheering people, both in the morning and the afternoon, when the ceremony of swear-ing-in Lord Bledisloo as Governor-Gen-eral took place on the steps of Parliament Buildings.

The grounds at Parliament Houso presented a scene bright with colour this afternoon. Flags flew gaily in the breeze and the warm sunshine showed the picturesque grounds at their best. lhe swearing-in ceremony, which took place strictly according to schedule, was witnessed by some thousands of people and the' scene was a brilliant one. About 500 Official Guests.

On the dais on the steps of Parliament House accommodation had been arranged for about 500 official guests. On either side of the entrance steps seats were provided for about 250 other people to whom invitations had been sent. The guard of honour was from tho First Wellington Regiment. Places of honour with Lord and Lady Bledisloe at the front of the platform were occupied iby the Administrator, the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers; the Hon. G. W. Forbes, representing the Prime Minister; and Mr. H. D. Thomson, permanent heatd of the Prime Minister's Department. Seated immediately behind were Miss Gillespie, Government House staff, Mrs. A. C. Day, Mrs. Forbes, Lady Myers, Mrs. B. B. [Wood, Sir Alexander Herdman, senior Judge in attendance on the- Chief Justice, Major Bathurst, military secretary to Lord Bledisloe, Mr. A. C. Day, official secretary, and Sir John lianham and Lieutenant Elworthy, R.N. aides de camp. Others seated on the platform were Ministers of the Crown, prominent officials, members of Parliament, representatives of various public bodies, Consulates and Government departments and thsir wives or daughters.

Bouquet for Lady Bl<idisloe. As Lady Bledisloe mounted the dais she was presented by Mrs. B. B. Wood, daughter of the Prime Minister, with a bouquet of flowers. The formal procedure of swearing-in the Governor-General-designate was then commenced, the reading of the Royal warrant of appointment being followed by the taking of oath of allegiance and the oath of office, administered by Sir Michael Myers. A salute of 19 guns was then fired from Point Jerningham.

In welcoming Lord and Lady Bledisloe, Forbes expressed regret at- the absence of the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward. Ho conveyed a cordial welcome to Their Excellencies on behalf of the Government and peoplo of the Dominion, which had a warm affection for His Majesty the King. Hiis Excellency would receive every consideration from the people of this country wherever he went. New Zealand had been fortunate with its Governors. Right from the days of Governor Hobson Governors had done a great 'part in strengthening the bonds of fho Empire. Tho response New Zealand had made when the Great War broke out showed how much this country was attached to the Mother Country.

Welcome From Maoris. The Minister extended to Their Excellencies a welcome from the Maori people, who wero as loyal as tho pakchas. Nothing would give tho Maoris greater pleasure than to be visited in their pas by Their Excellencies. The fact that His Excellency took a keen interest in the farming industry gave especial pleasure to New Zealanders. The women of New Zealand, said Mr. Forbes, addressing Her Excellency, would do their very best to make her feel at homo and to compensate her for being so far from home. ( " We feel," Mr. Forbes added, " that Lord Bledisloe in coming hero has made a considerable sacrifice. Ho has done his duty to the British Empire and we herp will do all wo can to make his stay with us a pleasant and happy one." Ml". Forbes read tho following message from the Commissioner of Rarotonga:— "The Arikis, chiefs and people ask you to convey t 0 the Governor-General a message of welcome and loyalty from tho Cook Islands."