LORD LIVERPOOL'S TOUR

Southland Times, Issue 17620, 7 April 1914, Page 2

LORD LIVERPOOL'S TOUR

VISIT TO RIVERTON. AN OFFICIAL LUNCHEON.- ‘ DEPARTURE FOR THE NORTH. His Excellency the Governor, Lord Liverpool, motored to Riverton yesterday morning. He was accompanied by the Mayor of Invercargill, Mr D. McFarlane, and Messrs ,T. A. Hanan, M.P., T. Hutchison. S.M., T. W. Walker. Town Cletk, and Captain Eastwood, A.D.C. The road was in fairly good order notwithstanding the heavy fall of rain during the night and the cars made the trip in good time. His Excellency asked many questions relative to the methods of farming employed. and expressed himself as being surprised at the wonderful fertility of the big stretch of country. -There were no stops en route and on arrival at Riverton the party made straightway to the Aparima Hotel, which overlooks the harbour. There was a comparatively clear sky, the sun was warm and the tide being on the outward turn the waterway looked its best. On arrival at the hotel his Excellency was met by the Mayor of Riverton. Mr Pctchell, and several borough councillors, with whom lie had morning tea. As the visit was an informal one no address was prepared, hut in a cordial speech Mr Pctchell welcomed Lord Liverpool, and expressed regret that Lady Liverpool had not accompanied him. Although tjte visit was a fleeting one it' was none the less welcome, and they all hoped that at some time in the future lie would be able to pay an extended visit to Riverton and that he would then lie accompanied by Lady Liverpool. They quite recognised the advantage of the successive Governors visiting different parts of the country because it helped them, in the first place, to administer the affairs entrusted to them with' a more intimate knowledge than would otherwise be possible, and they were able to speak authoritatively upon the affairs of the country when their term of office expired and they returned to the Old Land.

Lord Liverpool replied briefly, stating Uiat lie hoped to visit them agaii» at some future time and to bring Lady Liverpool with him. The parly made a smart return journey and reached town in fifty minutes from the time of leaving Riverton. Lord and Lady Liverpool were entertained at luncheon in the Grand Hotel by the Mayor and Councillors of the Borough of Invercargill. The function took place in the main dining room, and the table was decorated with asters and ribbons. The Mayor (Air D. McFarlane) presided, and in addition to the chief guests l lie following were present : The Mayoress (Mrs D. McFarland, Air .1. A. Hanan, M.P., Afrs T. Hutchison. Cr and Mrs W. A. Ott. Cr and Mrs F. Lillionap, Cr and Airs A. B. Haggitt, Cr and Mrs 1. T. Carswell, Cr and Mrs H. Dunlop, Cr and Mrs T. D. A. Moffett, Cr Brent. Cr and Airs T. I). Lennie, Cr and Miss Stead, Cr McKay, Cr and Alls *T. O'Byrne. Airs Studholme, Air and Airs T. W. Walker and Captain Kastwood.

At the conclusion of the luncheon the Aliiyor proposed the toast of "Their Excellencies, Lord and Lady Liverpool.” He expressed the hope that their brief stay in Invercargill bad been pleasant. Tlietr visit had been so brief that everyone hoped that their guests would come again as soon as possible. (Hear, bear). Lord Liverpool said that both lie and Lady Liverpool deeply apreciated the hearty welcome they had been given ayd the hospitable treatment they bad received during their stay. They, too, hoped to he able to \isit, Invercargill again. (Applause).

The vice-regal party left for Dunedin by tile express.

LADY LIVERPOOL AT Y.W.f’.A

Her Excellency. Lady Liverpool, paid a visit yesterday morning to the Y.W.U. Association. Her Excellency was received by the president. Miss .lobson, assisted by Mesdames Longuet, A. M. Macdonald. Walker and the general secretary, .Miss Ferguson. Between thirty and forty members were present. The president, on behalf of the association. extended a sincere and appreciative welcome to Lady Liverpool not only as patroness of the various sister asociations throughout the dominion, but as the wife of His Excellency the Governor, and as the representative of Queen Mary. She regretted that (lie rooms were not more worthy the honour of such a visit, hut the association was in its infancy, and she trusted that when the citizens of Invercargill realised the importance of the work undertaken, they would give their whole-hearted and whole-handed support when the association would enter upon a period of vigorous growth. Miss .lobson concluded the address of welcome by again thanking her Excellency for iter gracious interest and kindness in being present and the encourage, ment thereby given to the workers of tiie association, expressing the hope that her sojourn in the dominion would he a very happy one. so that site would lake hack to the Home Country many pleasant memories.

Her Excellency, in reply, expressed her appreciation of the welcome extended to her and the pleasure in being able to lie present. She had always been interested in the. work of such associations and hud visited their rooms both in New Zealand and in England. She trusted the growth of the. association would he rapid and that the hopes cherished by the workers would soon he realised. Morning lea was then served. after which Her Excellency took iter departure, expressing herself much pleased with her visit.