VICE REGAL TOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25136, 29 January 1943, Page 2

VICE REGAL TOUR

VISIT TO ALEXANDRA (Special) ALEXANDRA, Jan. 28.' ‘ Alexandra was en fete to-day v-hen the Governor-General, Sir Cyr 1 Nev - all, and Lady Newall, who were attended by Major C. J. Holland-Martin, A.D.C., paid their first official visit to the town. The weather was ide&i. The official party was met on its arrival by the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs A. McKellar, and Mr W.J. Russell (town clerk). Later, they went to the recreation ground vhe,re an official welcome was extended and an inspection made of the guard-of-honour, consisting of Home Guardsmen, under Major L. K. Denniston, M.C. A pleasing interlude occurred when the vice-regal party reached the dais, the presentation of a bouquet being made to Lady Newall by Master Ken McKellar, aged three, grandson of the Mayor. The loyal address and the address of welcome were delivered by the Mayor, and other speakers were Messrs C. Scoular (chairman of the Vincent County Council), and V'. A. Bodkin, M.P. Sir Cyril replied formally, and later gave a stirring radress. Their Excellencies afterwards inspected the Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and school children; and a number of leading ctiizens and members of various bodies were presented to them. They were the recipients of a tray of delicious fruit from local fruitgrowers. At 12.30 the Mayor, councillors, and representatives of local bodies attended a civic luncheon in honour of their Excellencies, who left amid cheers at 1.30 for the Dunstan Hospital, where they were met by the chairman of the Hospital Board (Mr S. A. Stevens), Dr W. D. Brown (superintendent), and Matron Stringer. Their Excellencies chatted with the patients for some time, and later left for Cromwell.