ENTHUSIASM AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2934, 8 June 1910, Page 16

ENTHUSIASM AT CHRISTCHURCH.

CHRISTCHURCH, May 30. Wisely, in view of the threatening nature of the day and the prospects of a wet evening, the Executive committee charged by the citizens with the duty of making, arrangements for a public farewell to his Excellency. Lord Plunket, decided this morning to abandon the proposed open air demonstration in Cranmer square, for which elaborate preparations had been made, and to hold' the. farewell within the spacious walls of King Edward barracks. From the point of view of the attendance, of the public the function was undoubtedly a success, but in other respects it suffered from all the disadvantages of necessity involved when a large crowd of people, unprovided with seating accommodation, is invited to assemble to listen to

speeches. The Mayor presented the citizens' address as a souvenir for Lady r/lunket. Three speeches wvsre made, and his Excellency replied in what was undoubtedly the best speech of the evening. He was listened to with as much attention as was possible under the circumstances, and the hearty reception with which he was greeted indicated the extent of the affection and goodwill felt by the citizens of Christchurch for a popular and able Governor. ■ The municipal address was bound in a book containing beautiful illustrations. A Maori art jewel casket-of New Zealand woods was presented to his Excellency for Lady Plunket. The ball with which Auckland's big cricket score was made has been mounted in gold, and was presented to his Excellency in recognition of his interest in the New Zealand summer game.