Lord Glasgow’s Valediction

Southland Times, Issue 13671, 5 February 1897, Page 2

Lord Glasgow’s Valediction

[By Telegraph]. Wellington, Feb. 4. In the Exhibition Building to-night a farewell conversazione to the Governor and Lady Glasgow and family took place in presence of a large and fashionable attendance. His Excellency and family were attended by a large number of officers of the Squadron and were played into the concert room by pipers. The Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, presented an address bidding the Governor farewell and. expressing the regret of all classes at his departure. The Governor briefly replied, heartily reciprocating the kind feelings expressed, and he assured the citizens that regret at their departure was sincerely felt by Lady Glasgow, himself, and party. The Caledonian Society presented a valedictory address on behalf of the Scottish residents.

The Governor in replying referred to the accidents and sickness in his family and heartily thanked the people of New Zealand for their kind sympathy. He was charmed with the beauties of the colony and believed that the watchword of the colonists was loyalty. Referring to the defence he suggested the efficient defence of the ports so as to afford protection to warships in the event of war. He said a cable had been received inviting the colonial Premiers to London to assist in the demonstration to commemorate the 60th year of the reign of Her Majesty the Queen and he thought the colonists should heartily agree with Mr Seddon’s acceptance of the same, though he was nob aware what Mr Seddon proposed to do as he had left the colony before the invitation arrived. While he objected to an invasion of the colony by Japanese he -thought no harm could come of allowing Japanese merchants to settle here, if a similar right was conceded to New Zealanders. As to produce, there should be co-operation throughout the colony and every effort made to press trade in all parts of the world,. The ceremony concluded with cheers for Lady Glasgow, the Governor and family.