VICE-REGAL VISIT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20793, 9 February 1931, Page 15

VICE-REGAL VISIT.

TWO TOWNS INSPECTED.

WREATH LAID ON GRAVE.

CHURCH SERVICE ADDRESSED

"TIME OF GREAT TROUBLE."

[BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.] NAPIER, Sunday.

The Governor-General, Lord Bledisloc, accompanied by Lady Bledisloe, arrived at Napier by train last evening. The Vice-Regal party first stopped for a short while at Hastings and on arrival at Napier was met by the Mayor, Mr. J. Vigor Brown, Commodore Geoffrey Blake, the Hon. J. G. ('obbe and the Hon. A. J. Slallworthy. His Excellency immediately communicated to the Mayor his own personal sympathy with the people of the town, then visited the Park Island Cemetery and placed a wreath on the grave where over 60 victims of the disaster are buried.

Their Excellencies visited the hospital at Greenmeadows racecourse, and, with Dr. Biggs, medical superintendent, walked through the marquees which are serving as wards and conversed with the patients. They spent the night in special railway coaches, which had been uncoupled from the train at Napier station. Drive Through the Streets. This morning they visited Nelson Park, where some hundreds of homeless are living under canvas. Both at the hospital and the camp His Excellency expressed unstinted admiration at the manner in which facilities had been provided for the people. The party was then driven through the streets of th 3 ruined town and later attended a combined church service in Clive Square, where isloe addressed the congregation of about 200.

Their Excellencies called on Commander Morgan on board the Veronica and personally thanked and congratulated him on the magnificent work done by himself and his men. Before leaving the sloop Lord Bledisloe addressed the ship's company, who were rlr.iwn up on deck. The combined church, service was conducted by clergy of several denominations and a depleted Salvation Army Band of six musicians played music for the hymns. Brief addresses were given by Bishop Williams, of Waiapu, Rev. J. H. Asher, minister of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, and Lord Bledisloe. "The Utmost To Help." His Excellency said:—"ln these days of catastrophe you have shown all those characteristics of which the members of the British race are proud. I can assure you that those in authority are doing their utmost to help. The British Empire and your own country arc not going to desert you in your time of great trouble. j\fter visiting Napier Their Excellencies returned to Hastings, where they inspected the devastated area and visited tho temporary hospital on the racecourse. At Beatson Park they paid an impromptu visit to a refugees' camp, where Her Plvcellency particularly interested herself in the welfare of an earthquake baby born in a tent after the disaster. Lord and Lady Bledisloe, accompanied by the Mayor, Mr, G. A. Roach, attended divine service in the open-air at Cornwall Park. The service was conducted by Canon C. Mortimer-Jones, assisted by the Rev. D. J. Shaw, Presbyterian, and the Rev. E. Nicholls, Baptist. Their Excellencies later inspected the food distribution system at tho drill hall.

As far as is known at present Their Excellencies will spend at least another day in the earthquake area.

A NATURAL GRAVE.

DEBRIS FROM BLUFF HILL. INTENTIONS AS TO FUTURE. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION. ] WELLINGTON, Sunday. That tho police anticipate further recoveries of bodies is apparent by their actions, but they are reticent. It is suggested that the debris at the foot of the Bluff Hill, which readies from the sea to 100 ft. up the cliff face, will be allowed to remain as a natural grave for those who may be buried there and that a now road will bo constructed round the foot of tho slip, which would take months to remove. The immense slip, however, has certainly made the cliff face much safer, subject to a few dangerous points being removed.