GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20519, 21 March 1930, Page 14

GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

FIRST CIVIC WELCOME.

GATHERING IN WELLINGTON.

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Thursday.

There was a brilliant scene at the Town Hall this evening when tho GovernorGeneral, Lord Bledisloe, and Lady Bledisloe were accorded a civic welcomo by the city of Wellington and local public bodies and presented with an illuminated address. Tho distinguished guests received an enthusiastic reception from the gathering, which filled all available accommodation long before the commencement of tho programme.

The proceedings were only partly formal, speeches being interspersed with musical items.

Tho Hon. G. W. .Forbes was the speaker on behalf of tho Government, and said the people wished His Excellency "to enjoy himself. They would be pleased to see him on tho field of sport. As Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Forbes said the farmers were very glad at having in tho Governor-General a man who knew the problems facing them.

The Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers, also spoke.

The Mayor of Wellington, Mr. G. A. Troup, read a formal address on behalf of tho local bodies, prefacing it with a short speech.

After returning thanks for the welcome, Lord Bledisloe said he and Lady Bledisloe intended, as far as their duties permitted, to take a full part in the social and recreational side of life in New Zealand. Regarding farming he wanted to make it perfectly clear that he did not come to the country with the idea that ho was going to teach the people on tho land anything. He came to learn. Conditions here differed very much from those of the Old Country.

His Excellency praised the value and stressed the importance of agriculture to all. Ho was prepared to foster in any way he could the industrial activities of tho country.

THE.NEW SURROUNDINGS.

QUIET DAY AT RESIDENCE.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

WELLINGTON, Thursday.

With much of tho clamour of arrival over Lord Bcdisloe, the new GovernorGeneral, and Lady Bledisloo were to-day able to tako stock of their surroundings in the quiet of Government House. Their Excellencies have also had the opportunity to como to a better understanding of the manifold duties and observances attaching to their office, and to learn that all New Zealand is waiting to see them in person on tour. Lord Bledisloc, who is a golfer, hopes to find time to play, and is anxious to fish in some of tho well-known streams of the country. Ho is a keen follower of football and cricket.

AUCKLAND'S GREETINGS.

HIS EXCELLENCY'S REPLY*

Acknowledgment of the welcome extended to the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, and Lady Bledisloo by the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, on behalf of the citizens of Auckland, was made yesterday in tho following telegram from His Excellency:— '' Lady Bledisloo and I thank you and the citizens of Auckland most warmly for your telegram of welcome. I would ask you to accept my sincere thanks .for your good wishes in the high office to which His Majesty tho King has been graciously pleased to appoint me."