SIR ALFRED RANSOM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22612, 2 July 1935, Page 10

SIR ALFRED RANSOM

CONFERMENT OF KNIGHTHOOD DANNEVIRKE’S CONGRATULATIONS (Per United Press Association) DANNEVIRKE, July 1. Visiting Dannevirke for the first time since his illness and the conferment of a knighthood in the King’s Birthday honours. Sir Alfred Ransom, Acting Prime Minister, and also Lady Ransom, were tendered a civic reception this afternoon in the presence of many wellwishers. The Mayor (Mr E. Gibbard) and the Deputy Mayor (Mr G. I. Anderson), an ex-Mayor ,(Mr Marcus Smith), Mrs J. P. Whibley, on behalf of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, Dannevirke branch, and ■ Mr F. Barclay, on behalf of the Maori race, expressed congratulations to Sir Alfred and Lady Ransom on the King’s recognition, and these were accompanied by expressions of appreciation of Sir Alfred’s public service in local and national politics faithfully and efficiently rendered over a period of 20 years or more. Sir Alfred, in the course of his reply, said that he was somewhat overwhelmed by the many compliments paid him in regard to his past work, particularly in Dannevirke, his home town, where he had lived for 47 years, and Lady Ransom had resided there an even longer period. He appreciated very much that his work had not been forgotten, and also the sentiments expressed on behalf of the Native irace. He had always had a warm place in his heart for the Maori people. It was gratifying to feel the warmth of sentiment in regard to the King’s honour, which was an honour not only to himself and Lady Ransom, but to. the whole of the Dominion, and particularly to his electorate. Lady Ransom was presented with a bouquet, and Sir Alfred was accorded musical honours.