VICE-ROYALTY

Southland Times, Issue 20011, 27 October 1926, Page 6

VICE-ROYALTY

VISIT TO GORE A BUSY DAY HOSPITAL INSPECTED His Excellency the Governor-General Sir Charles Fergusson, and Lady Alice lergusson spent a busy day at Gore yesterday and accompanied by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs D: L. Poppelwell), and the Hon .G. J. Anderson, visited several places of interest in the town. In the morning their Excellencies inspected the Soldiers’ Memorial and expressed to the Mayor their appreciation of its picturesque setting and of its attractive design. They then visited (he Public Hospital and on arrival were introduced to the matron Miss J. Ross and to Dr. J. E. Rogers, who conducted them over the institution. Their Excellencies spent some' time in chatting pleasantly to the patients and in inspecting the various departments of the hospital. HIGH SCHOOL HOSTEL VISITED. Following on their visit to the hospital Sir Charles and Lady Alice Fergusson visiten the Gore High School Hostel where they were met by the Roc tor, Mr J. Hunter M.A., Mr E. C. Smith, chairman of the Board of Governors and by members of the board. Mr E. C. Smith in according a hearty welcome to the distinguished visitors said that they were all delighted that with the many demands made upon their time their Excellencies had yet found time to visit the hostel. He was glad to welcome Sir Charles Fergusson as the official representative of his Majesty the King and to do so because of the important services he had rendered to the Empire during the great war. He was glad also to welcome him because of the great interest he had taken in the young people pf the Dominion and whenever possible availed himself of the opportunity of meeting them. In welcoming Lady Alice Fergusson they felt that she had a particular interest in the future of New Zealand because in her young days she had been resident here.

In the course of a brief address to the pupils of the school his Excellency said that he first wished to thank the Guard of Honour, which had turned out upon his arrival at Gore. He was very sorry that what should have been to them a pleasant holiday had been spoilt. He wished, however, to say how pleased he was with the Guard of Honour and to congratulate them upon their smart appearance. In speaking to the pupils he would like to say something which might help them in their after life. When going round schools he always thought how necessary it was that the scholars sould realise that they came into the world with something definite before them and how fortunate they were in living in such a wonderful country which their fathers and forefathers had built up for them. They had a great example before them and it was their duty to see that example was upheld. They could do either one of two things with their lives. They could drift along and do nothing in particular, but he doubted whether they would derive much happiness from that. On the other hand they could make their lives useful and happy by doing service for others. He felt that from the giving of service to others must spring the true spirit of happiness. Each in his own particular line of life was an Empire builder and although some had a less interesting part to do than others, their service counted for just as much. The great thing was to do their part to the best of their ability. As he had passed through the gates of the hostel he had noticed the names of old boys of the school who had given their services to the Empire. These had been just ordinary boys like themselves, who when the call came did their bit. That was an example which they all could follow by trying to do some work to help other people, because that was service. The school was turning out a lot of boys and girls into the world and they should remember that whatever they did would bring credit or discredit to their school. If for no other reason than this, it was their duty to make their lives lives of honour and service. In conclusion his Excellency asked that the pupils be granted a holidav in honour of his visit. The Rector of the school Mr J. Hunter M.A., thanked his Excellency for his very inspiring address. He felt sure that there was not a boy or girl who could fail to be inspired to live nobler lives by the high ideals he had expressed. He was glad that out of a busy day their Excellencies had spared the time to visit the hostel. The rector called for three cheers for his Excellency which were heartily given, three cheers also being given for her Excellency. After their Excellencies had inspected the hostel they were the guests of Mr E. C. Smith, chairman of the High School Board, at morning tea. Following their visit to the hostel, their Excellencies visited the Plunket Rest Room, where they were welcomed by the president (Mrs J. Harper) and members of the committee on behalf of whom the secretary Mrs E. G. Wilson presented her Excellency with a bouquet. RETURNED SOLDIER’S WELCOME. His Excellency then proceeded to the Returned Soldier’s Association’s Club Rooms where a very pleasant social function took place. The president of the Association (Mr A. H. W. Aitken) in welcoming his Excellency stated that the members were glad that he had been graciously pleased to pay an,.informal visit to their club. The members of the association had for a short period of their lives belonged to that great and glorious institution the British army and they-were proud to think that his Ealfcellency had also belonged to the British army and had at the same time as themselves. It was a source of great satisfaction to them that they had in their Governor to-day a gallant soldier, with such a long and honourable record as Sir Charles Fergusson. The president proposed the toast of his Excellency, which was drunk with musical honours. His Excellency in reply said that he counted himself as one of them and was proud to be the holder of the gold badge of the association. He wished to drink the health of the association and of its president. Continuing his Excellency said that he was delighted to visit the club and would have been very much ashamed of himself if he had not done so. He did it not as a duty but as a pleasure and he was always glad to meet old comrades. He was pleased to hear from the president that the association had such a satisfactory membership and was sorry that this did not apply to all parts of the Dominion. There was much that the association could do towards those who had been less fortunate than themselves and he would like to think that the R.S.A. would continue to be an active organisation. He believed that as time went on renewed interest would be taken in it and that it would continue to do good work. Subsequently his Excellency related his experiences of a visit paid to various parts of France and Belgium in which the New Zealand troops had from time to time been stationed when on service. His description of the country as it appeared to him after several years of peace was extremely interesting and served to make the gathering of a less formal nature. Before leaving the club his Excellency was introduced to the large number of members present, and make an inspection of the club rooms. CIVIC LUNCHEON. Their Excellencies were later tendered a civic luncheon at which the Mayor (Mr D. L. Poppelwell) presided. There were also present the Hon. G. J. Anderson, members of the Gore Borough Council and representatives of the various local bodies. Following the loyal toast the Mayor proposed the toast of their Excellencies and in doing so expressed appreciation of their visit. During their stay in Gore they had endeared themselves to all with whom they had come in contact and would carry away with, them the good wishes for their prosperity of a very large section of the community of Gore. His Excellency briefly replied and stated that it was always a matter of regret for them that their visits were so short. They were just coming to know people and to

make friends when they had to move on and begin all over again. They had now been travelling round New Zealand for many months and had everywhere been greeted with the warmest hospitality. He desired to thank the Mayor for the great courtesy and kindness shown to then! during their visit to Gore. The toast of “The Parliament of New Zealand” was proposed by Mr E. C. Smith and responded to by the Hon. G. J. Anderson. INSPECTION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN. In the afternoon their Excellencies inspected the scholars from the Gore, East Gore and Convent schools, the children being assembled in the public gardens. There was a large gathering of the public who availed themselves of the opportunity of seeing their Excellencies and of bidding them farewell. His Excellency in a very happy address to the children stressed the need for them to make their country better than it was to-day. While on a visit to Samoa he had noticed that each school child wore a brass star, each star having five points. He inquired what was the meaning of this emblem and it was explained to him the first point meant loyalty to God, the second point meant loyalty to King, the third loyalty to country, the fourth loyalty to neighbours and the fifth point loyalty to myself. Each morning the children repeated the meaning of these and also repeated the following:—“To-day Samoa is a good country, but I am going to make it better.” It was this sense of loyalty and service with which he desired to inspire the children who could all do something for the good of their country. As a mark of honour of his visit to Gore he requested that the children be granted a holiday. At the conclusion of his address Sir Charles and Lady Fergusson were introduced to the members of the teaching staffs. Pupils of the Gore 'and East Gore schools also presented her Excellency with bouquets. Three hearty cheers were given for their Excellencies by the children, who also joined in the singing of the National Anthem. His Excellency, escorted by Captains Foster and Brown, then inspected the guard of honour under Captain H. PoppelweiL