VICE-RECAL VISIT.

Colonist, Volume LXII, Issue 15259, 22 December 1919, Page 1 (Supplement)

VICE-RECAL VISIT.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL IN NELSON.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION.

PRESENTATION OF ADDRESS. ,'|

(From "The Colonist," Dec. Ist.)

The Earl of Liverpool (GovernorGeneral of New Zealand) and the Countess of Liverpool paid a farewell visit to Nelson on Saturday. The weather conditions in the morning were perfect, and the city .was befiagged for the occasion, strings of flags being suspended across Trafalgar street and bunting displayed on public buildings and business houses, in a prominent position on the Church Steps, where the official reception took place in the presence of a large assemblage of the public, was a large banner bearing tho words, "Welcome to Nelson." The Territorials and Senior Cadets, with the Band of the 12th Regiment, paraded, and were formed up at the foot of the steps, No. 1 Company of College Cadets, under' Captain Kidson, forming the guard of honour. Colonel Brereton was in charge of the parade. 'Hie vice-regal party, which consisted of Lord and Lady Liverpool, Miss Boyle, Miss Bell, Mr Gavin Hamilton (private secretary), Captain Rhodes, Grenadier Guards (military secretary), and Captain Sinclair Thompson, A.D.C. (Argyll Highlanders), arrived by the Govefnment steamer Tutanekai from Picton. At 9.40 Their Excellencies and party were met at the wharf by Mr G. A. Edmonds (Town Clerk) and escorted to the city, the Band of the 12th Regiment playing the National Anthem as the Governor-General arrived at the Church Steps. After inspecting the troops, Lord and Lady Liverpool ascended to the dais on the steps, where they were received by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs W. W, Snodgrass). Her Excellency was presented with a beautiful bouquet of scabia caucasias, and the other ladies with bouquets of sweet peas and roses respectively On the dais were a number of leading citizens, including city councillors, chairmen of local bodies, ex-Mayors, the Mayor of Richmond (Mr W. E. Wilkes), Mr T. A. H. Field, M.P., and representatives of the Army, the Navy, the churches, and various Government departments.

An apology for absence was received from Bishop Mules who wasindisposed. The Mayor, in welcoming their Excellencies, said they were delighted to extend to them a welcome in sunshine. He trusted they would acceded to him when he said the sunshine illustrated the warmth of the welcome they extended to tliem as citizens of Nelson,* first as representatives of their Majesties, and secondly because of the fact that they (Lord r.ntl Lady Liverpool) had endeared themselves ■to the people of this Dominion in many ways. The Mayor expressed regret that it was the farewe'il visit of Their Excellencies. When they visited Nelson six years ago, words of welcome were spoken and expressions of loyalty made which he trusted had remained in their memories throughout the years, even although they came from this small place. The words spoken on that occasion had been remembered by us while Lord and Lady Liverpool had been doing so much for our men and their relatives. The words of loyalty spoken on that occasI ion had since then been crystallised into deeds and actions, showing that the expressions were not mere words only. There were, present that day many who had served their country in the war and lie could say without fear that if the call came again the men of this district would again be ready and willing to do their share. He trusted thatwar would not call for their services for many years to come. These men who had" served in the war would be found serving the Empire in peace. He hoped Their Excellencies would enjoy their brief stay in Nelson and would carry away with them pleasant - reed-, lections. (Apphvuse.) The Town Clerk (Mr Edmonds) then read the address from the citizens, which was presented to His Excellency. The text of the address was as follows: —

"To His Excellency the Right Honourable Arthur' William do Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, Member of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Knight of Justice of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, GovernorGeneral and Commander>-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its

Dependencies; and to-.Her : Excellency the Countess, of Liverpool. "May it please your Excellencies,— "On the occasion of your previous visit to the city of Nelson, in September, 1913, the citizens extended to you a most hearty welcome. They now wish to assure you that, on your present visit, their reception of you is none the less cordial, '"although their, feelings v of happiness are mingled-with.those, of Pegret at. your approaching '.departure from the Dominion. "In the interval which lias elapsed, the war cloud which had so long threatened the peace of .the world has broken. We are happy to know that hi common with our kinsmen in the Homeland and the other British Dor. inions, the men from Nelson city and district acted their part worthily ..and heroically in helping to bring about the victorious cessation of the war. after so many long years of horror and bloodshed. In coming "bo us now you find us rejoicing in a deeper sense of freedom than was possible on your former visit whilst the foes of the Empire were in a position to maintain their threatening attitude. "We can never forget, however, that the -freedom so obtained has been pur-ou-ased at a great cost, and our .rejoicings to-day are naturally tempered with sorrow at the thought that niany^of those who took their part in welcoming voix in 1913 cannot be here tWay. JAut thoco who are thus absent gained for iJiezaselves a name that will never die and >an honour which neither time nor circumstances can tarnish.

"We wish to assure your Excelleiv; cies that the experiences through which we, during the past years of war, have passed have but served to bind our hearts more firmly to our Empire, and to intensify our loyalty to His Majesty thp King. "We desire to acknowledge with gratitude the work performed by your Excellencies in the interests of the Dominion during your- term of office, and especially during the time of the avar, when your duties and responsibilities were so greatly increased. "On behalf of the citizens of Nelson mid of the Nelson City Council we beg 'to remain ' • . "Your Excellencies' most obedient Kfi-rviiiits. W W. SNODGRASS, "Mayor. i "G. A. EDMONDS, ! "Town Clerk. "2.9 th November, 1919." The Deputy-Mayor (Mr T. Petti b) in adding to the'words of welcome extended by the Mayor, said that the City of Nelson claimed second T>lace to | no part of New Zealand in loyajty to the King. It was a pleasure therefore to have their Excellencies, in Nelson that day on the eve of their departure trom the Dominion. Their regret at the departure of their Excellencies hao already been expressed, and he would like to say that Their Excellencies had served the Dominion well, and to the) satisfaction of-all during t^ trying;

period of the war. The city had been j named after one of England's greatest j men, which he believed was in some j measure responsible for the fact that, as a city,.they had always been in the forefront at the; call of duty. In the i volunteer movement at the opening wj i tho war. Nelson had always been to the fore, and had not been backward in supplying its quota of men. Mr Pettit said they had noticed with pleasure the interest both Lord and* Lady Liverpool had taken in patriotic efforts of the Dominion, special reference being made to the equipment of hospital ships and the providing of comforts for the men. They recognised that Their Excellencies had always had the welfare of th<» Dominion at heart. Mr Pettit ■ then referred to the possibilities of the ; Nelson district, which lie believed were greater than an> other part of the Dominion, and expressed the hope that when he returned to the Old Land, J Lord Liverpool would disseminate the ' knowledge of the district he had ob- ' fcained during his visit. In conclusion, j the deputy-Mayor expressed his deep gratitude to their Excellencies for their visit, and trusted they would return with happy recollections of the time they nad spent in Nelson. Mr Philip Best, chairman of the Walmea County Council, extended a cordial welcome to Lord and Lady i Liverpool <m behalf 6f the inhao, ! of the Waimea'County. He expressed j regret that the limited time at Their Excellencies' disposal would prevent j them from- seeing the whole of the orcb>I ard districts of Nelson, also the Maruia springs and other places of interest. He hoped that their stay in the Dominion had been an enjoyable one. Lord Liverpool, who was received with warm applause, in his reply said: Once again my wife and I are glad to have the opportunity to visit this «townJ and district It has not been possible lo travel about these islands during the ! time of war, as we should have hoped to have done had normal conditions prevailed. And now my time of office is drawing to a close, and we both feel we ; cannot leave New Zealand without rej newing our acquaintance with the many ' kind friends who greeted us on our first j arrival, and I can assure you we shall 1 carry away the happiest recollections of our time spent amongst you. The moment calls for energy and determination, so that the high standard of efficiency which Nqw Zealanders. have gained on the field of battle, shall not be lost now that the time has arrived to turn our thoughts to the necessity of remodelling the conditions of our daily life. Perseverance will make the task easier, but there is much to accomplish, if we are to succeed in establishing a permanent improvement in. all that goes to build up the welfare of the State. We certainly shall never witness quite the same situation again as we knew o.t prior to the war,, but by dint of patience there is no . reason why we cannot materially assist in bringing about a vast betterment of the position, and so help to mould the erection of an edifice which will abolish many of the evils which should bo eradicated from our midst. Since last 1 was here, this town lias received a handsome bequest from one of its citizens, and I am sure mat the erection of the Cawthron Institute will benefit not only the district, but will spread its influence throughout the Dominion, and will be a worthy memorial of the energy and devotion of the early pioneer. We wish you all.a prosperous future and success in any undertaking which you may set your hands to. One verse of the National Anthem was then sung and cheers given for His Majesty. Cheers for the GovernorGeneral followed, and the formal proceedings were concluded. The "bouquet presented to the Countess of Liverpool was made by Mrs A. E. Tasker'and the other bouquets by Miss Stringer. j ; VISIT TO SOLDIERS' CLUB. 'Hie vice-regal party then visited the Returned Soldiers' Club, .where .they were received by the president of the Nelson R.S.A. (Captain W. C. Harley) and Mrs Karley, tho secretary (Lieutenant N. A. Vercoc) and Mrs V.ercoe, and members of the association. .After inspecting the club premises, the visitors wore entertained at morning tea. AT THE "COLLEGES. The Bgys' and Girls/ Colleges were next visited. At both institutions Their sS;ceTTencies were received by the Governors and staff, and officially welcomed by the chairman (Mr C, R. Fell). At the Girls' College there was a generous display of bunting. The vice-regal party was received by the principal (Miss Lbrimer) and staff, and Lady Liverpool was presented by Cynthia Fell, one of the pupils, with a beautiful bouquet of roses' and maidenhair fern. An inspection was made of the building, and Lord Liverpool briefly addressed the girls and asked that they should be given a holiday. As the vice-regal uarty .left they were loudly cheered by the pupils. The bouquet presented to Lady Liverpool was made by Mrs Moynilian. At the Boys' College, the pupils paraded in the grounds, where they were inspected by His Excellency, who congratulated them on their steadiness and their smart appearance. Lord Liverpool made a similar request in regard to1 a'holiday for the "boys^nci on. leaving he was heartily cheered.

THE LUNCHEON. At 1 o'clock the vice-regal party were the.gnests of the City Council at luncheon in the Council Chambers. 'Ihe

Mayor presided, and the gathering numbered about 100 ladies and gentlemen,

including representatives of most of the local bodies in the district. Grace was

said by Bishop Sadlier. After the luncheon a few toasts were honoured.

Mr C. J. Harley proposed the toast of "The Empire." He said he had been given a very large order in being asked to propose such a toast in a few words, the subject was so vast. The Empire was in extent the greatest ever known, covering thirteen million square miles oi; habitable land, being more than a fourth of the habitable land of the world, and containing a fifth of the world's population, of every colour and creed. They were on the whole more prosperous than peoples living xinder any other Power, and they enjoyed greater freedom and justice. The Era-_ pire was a real empire, 'bound by the ties of kindred, love, and affection to the Motherland. It had been said in the past that at the first test the Em-; pire would fall to pieces and that the j Dominions would secede. The Germans j thought that before the War, and they j were woefully mistaken. At the first j alarm every part of the Empire forgot; its internal differences and dissensions ; and hastened to form a solid front. 'The , overseas possessions sent one and a: quarter million soldiers to the War—' real soldiers who held their own with the best the world could produce. The British Fleet swept the seas clear of German shipping and'bottled up the J enemy's navy in its harbours, so that si:-- months.after the outbreak of war the j German nan; had disappeared from the.: seas. The idea that the British Empire was not capable of military effort had; been proved false. Mr Harley referred ' ho the wonderful work accomplished*- m [ raising and training citizen armies at ■ Fome\nd overseasT In addition to her military effort England to a very large extent financed the Allies. England was the Power that ,wpn the war, and she had emerged from it immeasurably higher in the world's estimation than slie was before, the greatest and grand-: nst Empire the world had over known. lie coupled with the toast the name of the Governor-General. ; ■ Lord Liverpool, who was received with prolonged applause, said he would confine himself to other aspects, ' • •■■ / .'■., ' f

Iban those alluded to Mr. Harley, whom he 'thanked for {the fine sentiments" he had uttered. He thanked the people of Nelson for the reception they had given Her Excellency and himself on .what" in all probability" would be their last visit, and for all the trouble they had taken to make their slay pleasant. Jle thanked also the young ladies in the room for looking after their creature comforts so ably. His Excellency, turning to . Imperial questions,.-said the old days were not coming back. He did not say it pessimistically. It was the natural result of the great events ithey had lived through. New Zealand had its share of these problems. There, was no need to fear the future, but it behoved them not to sit with their hands folded, (Applause.) If they remained idle they would find in a few years that the markets of the world were no longer opened to them. As he had saicT previously at the College, they must work and play hard. (Applause.) He again thanked the people for their reception) and welcome, and assured them they would carry back to England the pleasantest recollections of their stay in New Zealand, and especially of their association with patriotic workers during the last five years. Mr H. R. Duncan, chairman of the Harbour: Board briefly proposed the toast of "The Navy and Army." He said he could not do justice to the profound gratitude -they felt to the military and naval forces of the Empire. He briefly reviewed the marvellous achievements, of-Britain on sea and land during the war, which undoubtedly ■saved the cause of civilisation. France had again become the1 Mother of Sorrows, but had it not been for the British Army and Navy she would have become so permanently. She would have fallen under German domination for ■ ever. Mr Duncan supplemented Mr i' Harley's reference to the Empire's war effort, and said it was a record for Britons for all time to recall with pride. He hoped Their Excellencies would carry back to the Old Land pleasant recollections' of New Zealand, and also a conviction of the loyalty of the people and of their confidence in and devotion to the Empire. Captain W. J. Steward, R:N. and Captain W. Carrol Harley, N.Z.E:F., briefly responded to the toast. Captain Harley emphasised^ the value of the lessons New Zealanders had learned on the field of battle, and expressed the hope that they would be reflected in the national .character in the future.

Mr W. S. Hampson proposed "The Legislature," referring to the marvellous way in which party spirit had been buried until the war had been won. The legislatures of the Empire had set a tradition .that the British people could 'be proud of. (Applause.) Mr. T. A. H. Field, in response, thanked the proposer for his kindly reference to Parliament. The British Parliamentary system was the most democratic in the world, as witness the humble beginnings of the'present Prime Minister of New Zealand and the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth. Parliament was the bulwark of their liberties, slow to move, perhaps, but dogged and persistent to the end. That was the spirit of Parliament during the war, and it was the spirit of the British people. While it existed the British people would be in the van of progress. (Applause.)

Lord Liverpool proposed as the last toast the health of the Mayor and Mayoress, which was heartily honoured. The attendance on the tables was very efficiently carried out by a large number of lady volunteers. Vitetta's orchestra was present and played selections diving the luncheon. The Coti& cil Chamber has recently undergone a much-needed renovation, and decorated with flags, the tables being set out with beautiful flowers, the scene was very pleasing.

The luncheon committee consisted of Crs. Baigent and and ~ theJlayoi". The following- "fdrmetl the ladies' .committee responsible for the decorations, otc.:—Mesdames W- T. Brundell, F. T. Pogson, F. Smallbone, A. X Tasker, and Miss Wastney.