GOVERNOR AT MT. EGMONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1921, Page 6

GOVERNOR AT MT. EGMONT.

CHARMED WITH ITS BEAUTY

A SHORT CLIMB MADE. .Saturday’s programme for Lord and Lady Jellicoe commenced shortly after 9.30 a.m., when Their Excellencies left by motor car en route to the North Egmont mountain house. The GovernorGeneral and Lady Jellicoe were accompanied by Captaiin A. Curtis (private secretary). Captain Mundy (A.D.C.), the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson), and Miss S. Thomson, and Mr. and Mrs. F. T. Bellringer.

On arrival ,at the North Egmont house, after a good run of a little over on hour, Their Excellencies were met by the chairman of the committee (Mr. T. C. List) and other members, who, with their wives, and Messrs E. Maxwell and W. H. Skinner, were presented. The party proceeded to the old houke, features in connection with which were explained to the Governor by MiSkinner, and walked up to the Ambury memorial, where the party were duly photographed. Then Lortl Jellicoe and his staff took the track leading to the top, and before long divested themselves of their coats and tackled the task of climbing with vim. As the party had/only an hour s time they were content with getting above the bush, from where a good view of the countryside could be obtained. There was a slight haze, but tfie view was fairly clear, and the coast-line along North Taranaki was distinctly visible, in addition to the towns in the province. The summit, which had been clear for a short while earlier in the morning, was again hidden in the clouds, but the party were able to get a good view of the peak later in the day, in the course of the motor trip. During the walk along the track, and also coming through the reserve, His Excellency was keenly interested in the native Hora, which was explained and described to the party by Mr. Maxwell, whilst the Maori traditions in connection with the mountain were recounted by Mr. Skinner. .Lady Jellicoe followed, and got about 900 feet up. The track was not easy, and despite a fall, Her Excellency held on pluckily and was loth to return. On the return to the hostel. Their Excellencies were entertained at lunch. The toast of the Governor-General and Lady Jellicoe was proposed by the chairman (Mr. List), who expressed the appreciation and pleasure felt by the committee on the visit of Their Excellencies, and said they regretted the programme would not allow of a longe. stay. Their Excellencies had come and seen, but they had not yet conquered and it was hoped that, on some future occasion, they .would be able to come and stay for a longer period. He remarked that as a nerve-recuperating place there was no better resort in New Zealand than Mt. Egmont. The committee hoped to see His Excellency come back and finish the climb he had begun that day. “ft has been a very delightful experience to us to come up here," said His Excellency, in replying on behalf of Lady Jellicoe and himself. He said lie would have liked to have finished the climb, and he hoped this was only a pleasure postponed for a short period. Referring to a remark by the chairman. His Excellency smilingly said he hoped that if he did return it would not be for the purpose of nerve-recuperation. Me would sooner come to renew an already vigorous health.

There was no doubt, said Lord Jellicoe, that the mountain must be a very frreat source of attraction to everybody in the district, and no one could look up at it without being immensely struck with its beauty and grandeur. Concluding, he expressed the grateful thanks of Her Excellency and himself for the delightful hospitality received at the hands of the committee.

After lunch the party left for Ingle wood and Waitara. amidst heart cheers called for bV the chairman.