“SPIRIT OF COURAGE”

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22474, 8 January 1943, Page 4

“SPIRIT OF COURAGE”

Tribute To Pioneers Unique Gathering At Raincliff “The pioneers showed that spirit of courage and determination which has made New Zealand. That is the spirit which comes from the soil, and it is up to you people to foster and nurture that spirit,” said his Excellency, Sir Cyril Newall, yesterday afternoon in acknowledging a welcome extended to him and Lady Newall by a representative gathering of local body and farmers’ organisations at Pioneer Park, Raincliff. After the official welcome, their Excellencies planted two totara trees. The gathering was fully representative of the South Canterbury local bodies, branches of the Farmers* Union, Primary Production Committees and the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. Mr J. Acland, M.P., attended the function. An apology was received from Mr D. C. Kidd, M.P. “This is a unique occasion in that it is unusual to be asked to meet a Governor-General, and it is unique to meet him in country surroundings,” said Mr L. V. Talbot, president of the South Canterbury Executive of the Farmers’ Union, in welcoming their Excellencies. Mr Talbot added that the large gathering was a token of the goodwill of the people of South Canterbury in response to the invitation of their Excellencies to meet them at Pioneer Park. “We hope that when you return to England that this gathering will be one of the many happy memories you will have of your stay in New Zealand,” concluded Mr Talbot. Mrs B. E. Evans, president of the South Canterbury Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, said that on behalf of the women, especially of the country women, they were deeply impressed with the interest that their Excellencies had taken in their welfare. “We know you will do your utmost to benefit the people of New Zealand, whether of town or country,” said Mrs Evans, “and the people of this country are always ready to listen to his Excellency’s words of wisdom and encouragement.”

Value of Trees Mr J. Bitchener, chairman of the Waimate County Council, on behalf of the local bodies of South Canterbury, extended a hearty welcome to their Excellencies to the district. “We have long looked forward to your visit,” said Mr Bitchener, “and when you can spare the time, we are looking forward to meeting you in Waimate. “I was brought up in the bush in New Zealand and I know a good deal of the beauties and the glories of the bush,” he continued. “This Pioneer Bush is typical of the bush that is being reclothed by Nature, and I am glad that it is now being protected. I have my private regrets that as a youth, I, too, assisted in the destruction of the bush. We are glad to welcome you here.” “On behalf of the citizens of Timaru we thank their Excellencies for the honour and privilege of being asked to be present at this pleasant gathering,” said the Mayor, Mr A. E. S. Hanan. “Their Excellencies are to plant trees. It is the intention of the Timaru Borough Council also to plant trees. The Council Intends planting an avenue of trees to the memory of those men who have made the supreme sacrifice, and it is also the Intention of the Council to plant 106,000 on the Borough reserve at Raincliff. “I wish to apologise to his Excellency for the South Canterbury fish being shy,” Mr Hanan concluded, “but I can assure him that at Lake Te Anau, where I am going, the fish are so large that they are spelt with a capital “L” and they are such great sports that they never allow you to go way with an empty basket.*’ Men of the Soil “I wish to thank you all for this opportunity of meeting the people of South Canterbury," said Sir Cyril in acknowledging the welcome. "Ever since the first days I came to New Zealand I have been anxious to go into the country districts, especially to the back-blocks. But that wish has been frustrated by the war and by the petrol shortage. We have long looked forward to this meeting. New Zealand is an agricultural country,” he continued. "I look forward to meeting men of agriculture, for I am convinced that the nearer they are to the soil, the better are the people. . . . “It is entirely due to Major P. H. Johnson that this meeting has taken place, and I think a great debt is due to Major Johnson who dedicated this bush to the pioneers. These pioneers showed that spirit of courage and determination which has made New Zealand. That is the spirit which comes from the soil, and it is up to you people to foster and nurture that spirit. I am sure that the people of New Zealand will continue to show that same trait—which is the spirit of their pioneers and of their soldiers. "I wish that everybody in this country would plant trees,” his Excellency concluded, “and I hope that everyone who has to cut down a tree will plant two or even three to replace it. I wish to thank you for the kind welcome, and I trust that conditions may soon enable me to go right into the backblocks to meet the people who seldom are able to visit the towns.” Sir Cyril and Lady Newall planted two totara trees and the Vice-Regal party and the visitors enjoyed afternoon tea amidst the beautiful bush surroundings. A thoughtful note typical, of their Excellencies was the provision of ice cream and soft drinks for the many children present, which, to them, was the highlight of the afternoon.