THEIR EXCELLENCIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19541, 30 March 1926, Page 7

THEIR EXCELLENCIES

IN PALMERSTON NORTH CITIZENS DISPLAY GREAT ENTHUSIASM [Per Pres? Association.] PALMERSTON NORTH, March 29. Following a busy morning visiting the Old People’s Home, the West End primary school and the Hospital, Their Excellencies Sir Charles and Lady 1 ergusson wore the guests of the Rotary Club at luncheon. In returning thanks for the invitation Sir Charles said that among Rotarians he found the spirit of fellowship and all working for the same end. Lord Jellicoe had told him if he wanted any help in his duties to go Rotary. That was a fine thing to say, and he had taken, his predecessor’s advice. Subsequently Their Excellencies were accorded a civic reception in the Square which was beflagged for the occasion. Long before 3 o’clock, when the function began, hundreds of people had secured all the vantage points. Mr J. Nathan, the Mayor, expressed pleasure at Their Excellencies’ first official visit to Palmerston North. Sir Charles said circumstances had, perhaps not unhappily, postponed his visit to the town. He looked upon Palmerston North as the culminating point of his tour of New Zealand. His Excellency spoke of the loyalty everywhere manifested by New Zealanders and of the wonderful energy and initiative of the pioneers. The Scottish Society also tendered a welcome, and an address to the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides followed. Two officers, Major S. Jickell and Lieutenant J. T. Slipper, were decorated in recognition of 20 years’ commissioned service. Their Excellencies were later the guests of the Mayor and Mayoress, and Sir Charles attended a Masonic function in the evening.