FIRST VISIT OF GOVERNOR

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22473, 7 January 1943, Page 2

FIRST VISIT OF GOVERNOR

Unique Function At Pleasant Point

Welcome To Their Excellencies

“It is with very much pleasure that, on behalf of the people of Pleasant Point, I welcome you to our township,” said the chairman of the Pleasant Point Town Board, Mr M. F. Maze, in extending a welcome to their Excellencies, the Governor-General Sir Cyril and Lady Newall, at the Pleasant Point Town Hall yesterday afternoon .

“Your visit is indeed unique in that this is the first occasion on which we have been privileged to extend a welcome to the Governor-General of our Dominion,” continued Mr Maze. “Small though our numbers arc we yield to none in the sincerity and warmth of our welcome to you, both as the representative of the King and as the first citizen of this fair country. “The residents of Pleasant Point are alive to their responsibilities in these days of war.” Mr Maze continued. “To date some 80 of the young men of our township and district have taken their places in the Armed Forces, and several have already made the supreme sacrifice.

“We have our patriotic committees, our Red Cross Society and other organisations, all working with the one object to take some share, small though it be, in bringing the war to a successful issue.”

“You indeed live in a very pleasant spot,” said his Excellency in acknowledging the welcome. “We are enjoying our stay at Raincliff, but it is not all holiday. We are finding the people friendly, but the fish are rather ‘stand-offish, but even so, I am interested in being a fisherman rather than in catching fish. “In your community,” Sir Cyril continued, “you have men who have given their lives in the cause of freedom, and, if there is any one amongst you who feels he is making an undue sacrifice, then let him remember for a while those men who are overseas and who are prepared to give their all. He will then realise that it is a privilege to make sacrifices and that what he is doing is really little compared with what is being done by members of the forces.

“The beginning of 1943 is looking brighter,” Sir Cyril concluded, “especially when we compare it with the beginning of 1942. We must remember that the end is not yet in sight, and the road ahead of us is long, tortuous and rough. I am sure that in the days to come the people of Pleasant Point will not be found wanting, and will live up to the reputation of those men who have made fame in Libya, Crete and Greece.”