HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3764, 4 May 1926, Page 23

HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS.

LETTER FROM GOVERNORGENERAL. Mr Sutherland Ross read at the closing eeremon • the following m< je from the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson):— Auckland, April 20, 1920. Dear Mr Ross, — It is a matter of great regret to us both that, owing to our departure for the Islands, her Excellency and I are unable to be present at the closing ceremony of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition. I wish to offer you, to the directors, and to all who have 'aboured to make the Exhibition a success, my hearty and sincere congratulations on the result of their efforts. The hopes and aspirations expressed on the occasion of the opening of the Exhibition iave been amplj fulfilled. The wonderful *e rd of attendance by the public shoves how wide has been the nterest, and how great the attraction; and the fact that these large crowds have assembled from day to day, without acident or untoward occurrence of any kind, is a great testimony to the efficiency of the management. It may confidently be said that the Exhibition, or : sed as it was o lines Imperial in every sense, has been a great success. His Majesty the King, to whom I have reported its progress, has more than once expresssed his interest in it as a great achievement in and execution. Educative to young and old aP e. the Exhibition has brought to all a new conception of the vast resources of the Empire, and of the history and traditions cf our race; and there can be uo doubt tiled the impetus and encouragement that i will have given to trade and industries, not only in the Dominion, but in the Empire generally, will lead to increased prosperity and contentment among our people. Those who, .ike yourself and your colleagues, have worked unceasingly during the last 18 months to these ends may well be proud of the success attained, and of the contribution you have made to the history of Dunedin and of New Zealand. Believe me, yours sincerely, (Signed) Charles Fkrgusson. OTHER NOTABLE MESSAGES “As an evidence of the widespread Interest evinced In the Raid the Prime Minister at the closing ceremony, “I read the following telegrams which have reached the Government: From the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs:— The Prime Minister has asked me to convey to you and to your Ministers liis congratulations on the remarkable success of the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition. I wish to associate myself most warmly with his message.—(Signed) AMERY. (Applause.) From the Prime Minister of Canada

Permit me on behalf of the Government of Canada to extend hearty congratulations on success of South Sens International Exhibition at Dunedin which concludes shortly. The efficiency with which the entire Exhibition was conducted is most creditable to all concerned. and results cannot fail to improve trade relations and understanding within the Empire.—(Signed) W. L. MACKENZIE KlNG.—(Applause.) From the Prime Minister of Australia*— On occasion of closing of New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition, I desire to offer on behalf of people of Commonwealth my congratulations on its successful completion. It required broad vision, high courage, and fearless enterprise on part of promoters to launch such a huge undertaking us well ns organising capacity of a high order to carry it through to a successful issue. I learn with greatest pleasure that attendance ha’s exceeded three million, which is undeniable evidence of public support, and must be very gratifying to y< ur Government and all concerned in Exhibition. I feel certain Exhibition will have effect of expanding New Zealand trade with all countries of stimulating to an appreciable extent commercial intercourse between Dominion and Australia, and of strengthening bond of kinship and friendship between people of Dominion and those of Commonwealth. I als wish to take this opportunity of extending my thanks for courtesy and kindness extended and assistance given to Mr Clive Macl’berson and Sir Henry Bar well, who specially visited Exhibition on behalf of Commonwealth, and to Mr Sinallhorn, tbe Australian representative.—(Signed) S. M BRUCE.—(Applause.)