ANOTHER FAREWELL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7141, 31 May 1910, Page 5

ANOTHER FAREWELL

THE GOVERNOR, AT CHEISTCHUECH. ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING. F-RKS3 ASSOCIATION. CHRISTCIIURCH, May 30. Wisely, in view of the tad weather, tlio executive committee charged by the citizens with the arrangements for the public farewell to his Excellency tho Governor, Lord Phmket, decided this morning to abandon the proposed open air demonstration, and to hold the farewell in the spacious King Edward Barracks. From the poi n t of view of attendance of the public the function was undoubtedly a success, but in other respects it suffered from the disadvantages of necessity involved when a large crowd of people, unprovided with seating accommodation, is invited to listen to speeches. There was scarcely a moment throughout the proceedings when the speakers could be heard beyond the immediate circle surrounding the raised dais oji which his Excellency and the official, party wore seated. The military arrangements carried out under the supervision of Lieut.-Col. Hawkins, officer commanding the district, were excellent. A guard of honour was formed outside, and the territorials kept a clear pathway through the crowd from tho main entrance' to the platform. His Excellency was received by the Mayor and town clerk. A salute was sounded, and the Garrison Band played. Several long-service medals were presented by the Governor, his Excellency pinning the medals on the breasts of the recipients.. ■ The Mayor presented the citizens' address and a souvenir, for Lady Plunket. His Excellency, in reply, acknowledged the reference to the, loss which tho Empire has ■ sustained in the death of King Edward, and the assurance of loyalty and devotion 'to King George. He regretted being unable to accept the farewell hospitality which before tho national calamity had taken place tho city of Cliristchurch had offered him. Tho words of confidence and goodwill contained in the address and in many others which ho had lately received hod. touched him deeply. His Excellency concluded; —"But I can _ assure you that no souvenirs ore required to aid our remembrances of the delightful city of Cliristchurch, the friends we havo made here and the happv times we have spent amongst you. \Vo aro indeed srateful to all for kindnesses wo havo received, and I can only say when we go Home that I hope I shall be able to 'bo of some use to this country. (Hear, hear.) I am one of those who look forward to an Imperial Parliament the sister nations of our Empire. (Hear, hear). Jjts creation, I realise, presents many, difficulties, but its absence must, in my opinion, in time lead to serious dangers. In the meanwhile I should very much like you to th-iuk of me as going Home to join Lord Onslow, Lord Glasrs>w. and Lord Banfurlv as an enthusiastic, if unofficial, member for New Zealand in tho Parliament of the United Kingdom." (Loud applause).