AT WAKEFIELD.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12724, 21 February 1910, Page 2

AT WAKEFIELD.

A CORDIAL WELCOME,

Here a large orowd had assembled and on his arrival His Excellency was loud.y cheered, and "God Save the Kiii^" mas sung. Having been received by members of the Wakefield Progressive Association. His Excellency'was escorted to the Oddfellows' Hall, where the official reception took place, in the presence of a large attendance of the public. On the platfrirm were the Hon. R. McKenzio, Messrs E. Hodson (President), and J. Bruce (secretary) and members of the Wakefield Progressive Association. Cr E. S. Hoult (member for the Waiiti riding of the Waimea County) presided, and extended to His, Excellency a hearty welcome to the ilistrict, at the same tnine he spoke regretting his approaching departure. He gave His Excellency an assurance of their loyalty, and wished him a. very pleasant journey through the district. In acknowledging the cordiality of the welcome extended to him, Lord Plunket thanked them for the kind thought which prompted - tlfem to ask him to visit • AVakeiield during the course of a very pleasant day's outing. He thanked the County Chairman for having arranged the opportunity for him to see practically' the most important part of their district. His Excellency spoke of the beautiful scenery he had passed through, the smiling homesteads, and the general air of prosperity everywhere( which he saw disclosed a most satisfactory state of things, not only from their point of view but from that of the Empire. He had not seen as much of the children of the district as he generally did, but ho understood they were pleasantly and profitably employed picking hops. He hoped thai; the steady progress of the district would continue, and that fruit growing would expand to one of the biggest industries in New Zealand. His Excellency concluded by thanking them again for their very kind reception. The formal proceedings then ended, and the vice-regal party were entertained at afternoon tea. 'Before continuing the journey to the Richmond cheers were given for His Excellency and Lady Plunket, and the National Anthem was again sung by the assemblage.