GOVERNOR AT AUCKLAND

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1935, Page 7

GOVERNOR AT AUCKLAND

FIRST VISIT TO NORTH HAPPY IMPRESSION LEFT BEHIND. INTEREST SHOWN IN DOMINION. DESIRE TO MEET EVERYONE. By, Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. A very 'happy impression was created by Their Excellencies, Lord and Lady Galway, on their first meeting with the public of Auckland at a reception held in the town hall on Wednesday evening. There was no mistaking the fact that Their Excellencies felt, as Lord Galway said, quite at home, and their frank friendship was just as heartily reciprocated by the large gathering present. An illuminated address was presented to Their Excellericies by the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison.

His Excellency, returning thanks for the welcome and referring to the coming celebrations of the King’s silver jubilee, said that nowhere in the Empire would feelings of loyalty be greater than in New Zealand.

His Excellency said that before he left for the Dominion he took the opportunity of visiting places in France where the New Zealand forces had distinguished themselves. Nobody could trace the history of the New Zealand Division without a thrill of pride that such daring deeds were done. On all sides generals and people who knew told him the division was one of the finest, if not the finest, that served with the Imperial forces during the war. He and Lady Galway hoped to be at Auckland for a considerable part of June to make the further acquaintance of people and of places of interest. Above all they wished to visit the Maori people, about whom and the position they held they had heard so much.

“We landed in New Zealand not so long ago,” he said, “and are finding ve are settling down making friends and acquaintances on all sides, everywhere being greeted with the utmost cordiality and kindness. For that we are most deeply appreciative. “We are all very fond of sport of all kinds, and this Dominion has so much wonderful sport to offer. “Above all things we want to get to know New Zealand and know its problems, and if we can do anything toward the solution of them we shall be happy indeed.

“I look forward to a great future for the Dominion. I think the world depression is beginning to lift, and if we can have confidence, security and peace we shall move forward to greater prosperity, and in that prosperity I trust the Dominion will have a large share.” His Excellency expressed the desire personally to meet all those present. Accordingly, Lady Galway and he stood for more than half an hour cordially shaking hands till practically everyone in the hall had filed past. To-day Lord and Lady Galway attended Anzac Day services. They left for Wellington in the evening. Lord and Lady Galway were met on Wednesday at the railway station by the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, the town clerk, and naval and military heads. His Excellency inspected the naval and military guards of honour and then motored through the city streets to his hotel.

The crowd at the station and another which waited at the hotel cheered the Vice-Regal pair, who later with the two aides visited Government House and spent some time inspecting the grounds. His Excellency laid a wreath on the grave of Governor ' Hobson, and with Lady Galway was shown various points of interest about the city.