AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING

Otago Witness, Issue 3961, 11 February 1930, Page 75

AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING

SPEECHES OF WARM COMMENDATION. SEND-OFF TO THEIR EXCELLENCIES. M ELLINGTON, February 6. The farewell tour of their Excellencies the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) and Lady Alice Fergusson, which has extended over fully three months, in the course of which they have travelled thousands of miles, came to a conclusion to-night with a wonderful and enthusiastic gathering of citizens of Wellington and the adjacent districts. An album was presented by the Alayor (Mr G. A. Lroup) to his Excellency and a great bouquet of New Zealand berries and foliage, from the national parks, was presented to her Excellency, emblematic of the great interest she has always shown in our native flora and fauna. Fully 2000 people were present in the Town Hail and cheered their Excellencies to the echo. His Excellency replied with great feeling, touching on various subjects which had been near to his heart. He made a special appeal to the people to support New Zealand industry and buy New Zea-land-made goods. Apologies for absence were received from the Prime Alinister (Sir Joseph Ward). Messrs J. G. Coates, W. B. Taverner (Minister of Railways). Air P. A de la Perrclle (Alinister of Internal Affairs), Mr A. T. Ngata (Alinister of Native Affairs), and others. The Acting Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes) expressed regret that the Prime Alinister was not able to be pres. n~, but said they would be glad to hear that he was well on the way to complete recovery. Their Excellencies had won the

hearts of the people in a remarkable degree. Not only had they visited the towns and cities, but they had been in the back blocks, talking to the pioneers who had

helped to build up the country. They had taken part in the sorrows of the people and in their joys. The relations of his Excellency with the Government and his knowledge and experience had made his advice of great value to the Alinistry. They felt they were losing a true friend. The Chief Justice (Sir Alichael Myers) said their Excellencies’ visit to New Zealand had been a source of inspiration, and there was no one who understood New Zealand and its people as did Sir Charles and Lady Alice Fergusson. He believed they had found the hearts of the people loyal and sound to the Empire. In addressing gatherings of all kinds all over the country Sir Charles had always shown

that he was master of his subject. Addressing their Excellencies, the Mayor said they had feelings of thankfulness that they had had Sir Charles Fergusson as Governor-General during the past five years, and that in Lady Alice Fergusson they had an example of all that wai? noble and good in woman. No section of the community had been neglected by them. lie could not pass on without referring to the organisation of the League of Mothers in New Zealand by Lady Alice Fergusson. which would always be a monument to her Excellency and to her interest in the women and children of New Zealand. When his Excellency rose to respond he was received with a burst of applause which must have been heard some distance from the Town Hall. To all concerned in that token of farewell on the termination of his term of office, his Excellency expressed his sincerest appreciation Their expressions were beyond words, and touched them very deeply. “It has been a happiness and a privilege.” continued Sir Charles. “ to have entered in those five years into your daily life, and to have had some part in promoting with yon the interests of this city and of the Dominion, so building up with you the Empire to which New Zealand has always been proud to show her loyalty and give of her best. The renewed assurances of that loyalty to the King’s throne and persons which is expressed in your address, I shall be happy to convey to his Majesty.— (Applause.) If, as you say, we have gained your confidence and your affection, then you say something which we greatly prize, because we do value your good opinion, and we make no secret of it.— (Applause.) We are now, much to our regret, leaving you. I look back to that day 56 years ago, when I left the Queen’s wharf, as it was then, in a sailing ship—a big ship in its day—of something like 750 tons. — (Laughter.) We were on board nearly four months. The day after to-morrow we sail on a motor vessel of 17.000 tons on a voyage which will take a little more than as many weeks as it took months before.”