PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20060, 29 March 1927, Page 14

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL. VICE-REGAL VISIT TO OAMARU. His Excellency tho Governor-General (Sir C harles Fergusson) paid a visit to Oamaru yesterday. He had arrived tho previous evening'by car from Nascby, and spent I lie evening and yesterday morning at the Queen’s Hotel, where he and his party are staying during their brief sojourn in ibis town. Flags were flown from the Government offices, municipal buildings, and many private establishments in honour of the occasion. Tho weather was line and the clean, expansive thoroughfares, with their avenues of trees, looked at their best. At 2.30 p.m. his Excellency and suite were conveyed by car to the municipal gardens, where an official welcome took place in the presence of a large and representative gathering, in which school children. Boy Mcouts, and . Girt Guides occupied a prominent position. The Sth Mounted .Rifles Band was in attendance, ami the Waitaki High School Cadets formed a guard of honour. Seated on the platform were his Excellency, his Worship the Mayor (Mr James APDiarrnid) and Mrs MTHarmid, tilo Hou. E. P. Lee and Mrs Leo. In his opening remarks, the Mayor said It was not tho first occasion upon which his Excellency had visited Oamaru, lie having been here previously on a visit to the secondary schools. Sir Charles's predecessor (Viscount Jellicoe) bad laid tho foundation stone for tho war memorial, and it had been hoped that Sir Charles himself would perform the unveiling ceremony, hut tliis could not be. a? at that time his Excellency was on a visit to tho Islands. All were gratified and honoured at haying their worthy representative of his Majesty present, and their only regret was that Lady Alice was -unable to he present also. Both had taken a keen interest in tho affairs of tho Dominion, and all had become endeared to them wherever they had visited. Few New Zealanders.knew their country as did their Excellencies._ As a tekeu of remembrance ho asked his Excellency to receive an illuminated address (alieady published) on behalf of the citizens of Oarnani. On rising to respond his Exce.llcncy was greeted with applause and cheering. His Excellency then read tho following reply to the address: — “I thank you warmly for the address which you have presented, and I regret greatly' that her Excellency is unable, through ill-hcalth, to he present to share in the welcome which, on behalf of the people of Oamaru, you have extended today. This is not actually the first visit to your town, and it is a pleasure to have an opportunity of further acquainting myself with the industries and conditions of so thriving a district, and with its residents, of whose previous kindness and hospitality I have most pleasant recollections. Of your warm loyalty and attachment to the throne ami Empire there is no question, and I am happy to think that you have had recently an opportunity of giving an expression of (hose feelings to his Royal Highness the Duke of York, who will he able personally to icpresent them to his Majesty. “CTiabi.es Fekoussox, “Governor-General.” In a striking speech that followed, his Excellency said it was easier to speak his thoughts than to read words. He thanked one and all for their attendance, and for the cordial welcome given him. Fie regretted very much the inability of her Excellency to be present, as she was ovcr-tircd, and had been ordered to keep absolutely quiet for some weeks. He could only give them her- love and her earnest wish that she would soon be able to come to Oamaru, a town of which she had such happy recollections. He would like to lend a touch of practical usefulness to his visit, and a great opportunity was given the people of New Zealand on such occasions to show their loyalty. The visit of hia Royal Highness the Duke of York had also given them this opportunity, and no pepole could have been more impressed with the loyalty shown than were their Highnesses. The Duke’s own words to his Excellency had been: —. “Wherever he went ho was conscious of such an atmosphere .of goodwill that it took away all feeling of nervousness,” and he concluded by saying that the farewell address he had made in Dunedin had “come right from his heart.” His Excellency thought this spoke volumes for the sincerity of the people. He would like all to look hack on the building of tho Empire. Our fathers and grandfathers had gone abroad for many purposes, and wherever they- roamed they always maintained that golden thread with the Home (,'ountry. and Great Britain was Home to all of us, although to the majority it was only a vision. Tim British Empire was a band of free and self-governing dominions, linked together, and it was with a view to welding this link that the visits of the GovernorGeneral were paid throughout the Deminion. His Excellency went on (o say that, tho unity of tho commonwealth of nations was one of the wonders of the world. Ho reminded those present of the Great War, and remarked that history would show how the dominions had responded, and they would go still further and do their share for tho Mother Country in repairing the ravages of war. All must pull together for tho general good, and with this end in view we must keep ouf own house in order. Progress was not a matter of government alone, hut tho people must bo behind it, and in this time of democratic government, which was tho government of the people by the people themselves, tho country could rise to great heights, but it could also fall to great depths, and his Excellency earnestly advised that the young people bo educated to this, and also that every individual should recognise his or her duties and responsibilities and act up to thorn. Only by this could everyone share the glories of this groat Empire, and all should endeavour to carry out the maxim as given bv tho Prime Minister of Great Britain, “Faith, nope. Love, and W ork.” If this were carried out, it would not only make Now Zealand groat, but it would make her people happy and contented, and they wotdd then be in the position to help those who were less fortunate. Ho hoped that Royal, Vico regal visit.-, and such like would stir up within the hearts of New Zealanders their sense of responsibility, and that, they would hand down their glorious heritage to the young people coming on. (Applause.) To the cadets, his Excellency raid ho would like to congratulate them on their fine turn-out. Ho noticed that they still kept their “spot,” and was glad to see it. To Iho Boy Scouts and Girl Guides ho remarked that they had commenced tho light way in helping to build up the Empire by the promises of loyalty they had made. They should bo proud in the knowledge that they were setting the example for God, King, and country. To the younger members present, his Excellency said ho would like to mention the fact that they were assembled in one of tho most beautiful gardens in Now Zealand. Ho would like to say “tho most beautiful,” only he was afraid of being taken to task in other places. Ho said people were inclined to forget who to thank for such a beautiful spot, and reminded those present, that all who worked at them were entitled to praise. Likewise, with the Empire. It was not made by saying, “Oh! how beautiful !” All bad to try and bo partners in this big work. Ho referred to many as having “showy” work to do, but whether of this nature or the everyday job. all should strive to do their best, and in this way they would ho doing as much as the greatest statesman. Tn conclusion, his Excellency asked that tho governing body grant, a school holiday on Wednesday in honour of bis first official visit, to Oamaru. If is Worship the Mayor called for three hearty cheers, and t.ho.-o were given with such 'volume as to resound from one end of the town tu tlio other. LONG-SERVICE BADGES. At the conclusion of the official welcome to his Excellency the Governor-General yesterdnv the Mayor asked .jh Charles to present long service to thvM n»ra-

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hers of St. John's Ambulance Brigade. Those presented -were: —District Superintendent S. M. 11. Grenfell (Otago district!, two bars, making a total of 22 year;:’ service; Divisional Superintendent W. J. Davies and Sergeant R. Husbatch (both of the Oamaru Ambulance Division), bar making a total of 17 years’ service. In making the presentation. Sir Charles asked that Tiosc present realise that the .non had given 22 and 17 years’ voluntary service for humanity. Ho congratulated them on their self-sacrifice, and wished them long life to wear the badges conferred on them by the head of the order in Great Britain. A MEMORIAL TREE. At the conclusion of hia address and the presentation to members of the Ambulance Brigade his Excellency was introduced to councillors and their wives, and to leading i tizens. He moved among the children, shook, hands with the teachers, and inspected the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, conversing freely with the officers. Then ho planted a golden ash tree in a corner of the reserve, and expressed the hope that it would long survive to remind present and future gonerati ms of a happy occasion. His Excellency was conducted through the gardens by the Mayor and the curator (Mr Barnett), and spent quite a while in inspecting the beautiful statuary recently presented by Mr Robert Milligan. VISIT TO HOSPITAL. Following his public reception in Oamaru yesterday, his Excellency the GovernorGeneral'visited the public hospital. He was conducted through the buildings by members of the Hospital Board and the matron. He spoke cheery words to both the nurses and the patients, and expressed admiration of the beautiful site upon which the building stood. A CIVIC DINNER. His Excellency the Governor-General was accorded a civic dinner in the Queen’s Hotel in the evening. The Mayor (Mr APDiarrnid) presided, and there were present Mr E. P. Lee, M.P., representatives of the Borough Council. County Council, and other local bodies. The toast of the King 1 having bocn honoured, that of the Vice-Regal guest was drunk with enthusiasm. His Excellency matte a felicitous reply. The Army and Navy was also toasted, and tho gathering concluded at a comparatively carlv hour. This morning his Excellency will visit the white stone quarries at Windsor, and will have morning tea at the residence of Mr Joseph Mitchell. Ho will afterwards pay a- visit to the primary schools, and will leave by the afternoon express for the north. PERSONAL. Mr Allan Hartley, of Oamaru. has rc_ coived an appointment on the literary stall of the Manawatn Evening Standard. Tho Ven. Archdeacon Russell, of Oamaru, is at present visiting Dunedin. OAMARU JOCKEY CLUB. Although bad weather was experienced on the first day of its meeting, and tho attendance was greatly affected in consequence, tho Oamaru Jockey Chib made a loss of only £3BO on its fixture of last week. ELECTRIC POWER. Several representatives of the Waitaki Power Board with Messrs E. P. Lee. M. 1., and J, Bitchener. M.P., will Join in a deputation to the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. K. S. Williams) at Timani tonight to urge the erection of an auxiliary power station at some point, in South Canterbury or North Otago. WESLEY CHURCH. The harvest -thanksgiving service* in connection with Wesley Church wore bdd on Sunday,-- and were conducted by the Key G F. Stockwell. ’I he church was beautifully decorated for tho occasion, and sermons appropriate to the occasion were r.reached.* Special anlhcnis were rendered hv the choir, and solos by Mr Johnson Mavfield and Madame Winnie Frasei. At Hin evening service many were unable to gain o admit!anee. The offertory ' for the clay amounted to £lls, SIR ARTHUR GORDON. K, worthy of mention that in March, 1881—46 roars ago—[he then Governor, >ir Arthur Gordon, paid an official visit to Oamaru. After luncheon ho was driven through the town, and thence to the Municipal” Gardens. where ho performed the ceremony of planting a Chilian ' caria Imbricata) as a, memento of his visit. That Pie. which familiarly known ns a ‘‘monkey puzzle,” stood near (he entrance to be gardens, but it had to be removed a few years ago, as it showed signs of rlecav Yesterday a golden ash tree was planted in the gardens by ?,r Charles !■ crgiisson. * OBITUARY. The death occurred at Oamaru on >'-ui‘-t-he a( j o of 57 years, of Mr William G&on Alexander. The deceased[was bom in Oamaru, being a son of tho late iur James Alexander, a well-known builder and stone mason. After leaving school ho ioined the clerical staff of the Oamaru {voollcn Mills, and displayed such marked ability that in the course of a veiy tew attained tho position of secretary, which he held until ho was compelled by ill-health to retire about. two years ago. A man of sterling reputation, he was hold in the highest esteem by all sections ol tho community. , Tho deceased was a Past, Master of the Waitaki Lodge of Freemasons. He is survived by fbroe sons, his wife having pro-deceased him some years ago. MAGISTRATE’S COURT. Two interesting reserved judgments are to bo sriven in tho Magistrate’s Court s.t Oamaru to-morrow by Mr H. W. Bundle, g.M. A number of civil cases, two cases of motor speeding, and an alleged theft case are also to be heard. CHORAL SOCIETY. A well-altondod meeting of those interested in the formation of a choral society was held in tho Holmes Hall last night. After some discussion it was decided to form a society of mixed voices. The election of officers was held over until next Monday evening. SCHOOL CRICKET. The matches, senior and junior, between Waitaki and Timaru were played at Timaru on Thursday and Friday last. In tho senior match Timaru won the toss and sent' Waitaki in to bat. Tlio first three wickets fell with tho score at. 21, Salt, a left-handed bowler turning well from leg, claimin', all three victims. Francis and Evans then dug in, and by careful play took tho score to 95 before Francis put Ins leg in front to a straight Tho innings eventually closed for 15*8. Lniiaru replied with 126.’ Salt was the essence of patience in compiling his 36, playing a very straight bat. Cnrringlon took three wickets for 15 in his II overs, 10 of which wore maidens. In their second innings Waitaki scored quickly and declared with five for 185, Henry being caught at point when 99 after a good display of. effortless cricket. The finish was exciting.. Tho ninth Timaru wicket fell at 39 with 15 minutes to go. The last two men, however, Sroft and M'Donald successfully resisted tho efforts of the Waitaki howlers to dislodge thorn an*J

The Waitaki fielding was good, the gathering in of fast balls and returning to the wicket-keeper being at times brilliant. Scores: — WAITAKI.—First Innings. Henry, Ibw, b Salt , 9 Mackenzie, o King, b Salt 12 Carrington, c Mackenzie, b Salt 0 Francis. Ibw, b Scott 37 Evans, b Scott 35 Milner, Ibw. b Mackenzie y Aslin, b Scott 22 Wayne, c and b Salt 16 Macallan, b Scott -• ••• 2 Nimmo, not out J Darragh. c Minifie, b Scott 5 Extras ■ 12 Tota 138 Howling Analysis.—Scott, 4 wickets for 57 runs; Salt. 5 for 63; Mackenzie, 1 for 13. Second Innings. Henry, o Pratt, b Salt 99 Evans, b Scott ° Carrington, Ibw, b Salt 1 Francis, Ibw, b Powell 31 Mackenzie, c Pollock, b Scott ... ... 25 Aslin, not out 13 Extras lb Innings declared ; five for 185 Howling Analysis.—Scott. 2 wickets for 63; Salt, 3 for 75; Powell, 1 for 18. TIMARU.—First Innings. King, b Evans J Salt, b Aslin 36 Minifie, b Carrington 3 Lillico, c and b Carrington 9 M'Konzic, b Mackenzie y Pollock, b Mackenzie > 21 Powell b Carrington 24 Palmer, run out ••• y Scott, st Francis, b Aslin ••• 1 Pratt, c Carrington, b Evan* 0 M‘Donald, not out ® Extras (byes 7, leg byes 14, noballs 4) 25 Total 126 Bowling Analysis.—Carrington. 3 wickets for 15 runs; Mackenzie. 2 for 23; Evans, 2 for 35: Aslin, 2 for 15. Second Innings. Salt, b Carrington ••• 3 Pollock, c Carrington, b Mackenzie ... 0 King, b Aslin Lillico, c Darragh, b Aslin Minifie, c Francis, b Carrington 10 M‘Kenzio, c Darragh, b Carrington ... 8 Powell, b Carrington 12 Palmer, b Mackenzie Scott, not out “ Pratt, c Wayne, b Carrington 1 M'Donald. not out 13 Extra* 8 Total Bowling Analysis.—Carrington, 5 wickets for 27 runs; Mackenzie. 2 for 13; Aslin, 2 for 43; Evans, none for 13. In tho Junior match, played on a bad wicket which induced “shooters,” Maitald won by nine wickets. Scores:— Tiraaru 24 and 69 (Vaughan 21). Waitaki 70 and one tor 30 (Hamilton 56 and 25 not out). , „ , Neill took five wickets for 6 and five for 19, and for Timaru, Marshall nine for 32.