VICE-REGAL VISIT

Southland Times, Issue 22491, 28 January 1935, Page 6

VICE-REGAL VISIT

There will be genuine pleasure in Southland at the prospect of the Governor-General’s visit next month. Lord Bledisloe has endeared himself to New Zealanders by his practical interest in the affairs of this country, expressed through his activities in assisting particularly the primary industries. As an accomplished farmer he understood the problems of the man on the land, and undoubtedly his interest in the land has contributed in no small degree to the improvement of farming methods during the years he has been in the Dominion. Lord Bledisloe has also done much to encourage an interest in the Arts, and he has assisted, too, in the advancement of sport, while his generous gift in connection with the historic Treaty of Waitangi has helped to acquaint New Zealanders with the extraordinary value of their relics of the early days. When Lord Bledisloe found that his official duties would prevent him visiting Southland in connection with the Royal Show in December there was widespread regret because it was feared that he would not be able to come south prior to his departure from New Zealand. When Lord and Lady Bledisloe come south in February they will have their first glimpse of Southland, and we hope that their visit will give them memories of a fertile and happy province, of a loyal people, eager to show their appreciation of their good service to New Zealand, long after they have returned to their beautiful home in the Old Country. It is fortunate that his Excellency has been able to fit in this visit, because Southlanders will be able to join personally with the people in other provinces in greeting a popular Governor and saying farewell to him in a manner that will show how much they regret his departure.