AT WAKEFIELD.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12738, 9 March 1910, Page 2 (Supplement)

AT WAKEFIELD.

A CORDIAL WELCOME

Here a large crowd had assembled and on his arrival His Excellency was loudly " cheered, and "God Save the King* 1 was sung. Having been rei ce.ivcd 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 tho 1 platfarm were the Hon. R. McKenzie, 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 exten ded. to His Excellency a hearty welcome to the district, at the same tnme hespoke regretting his .approaching departure. He fcaye. His Excellency an assurance of their loyalty, and wished" him a very pleasant journey through the district. 11l acknowledging the cordiality of the welcome '■ extended to him,' Lord Plunket thanked them for +lig kind thought which prompted them to ask him to visit Wakefield 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 J

their district. His Excellency spoke of the beautiful scenery he had passed through, the smiling homesteads, and tho 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 aB much of the children of the district as he generally did, but he understood they wore pleasantly and prontaoly employed picking hops. He hoped than tlie steady progress of the district would continue, and that fruit growing would expand to one of tho biggest industries in New Zealand. Hie 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.