THE GOVERNOR GENERAL

Western Star, 22 August 1924, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR GENERAL

REASON FOR HIS POPULARITY If any trait of the Governor-General is more accentuated than another it is his intense love for children. The aged, the afflicted, and returned soldiers, but more particularly the children, have a real friend in this dominion. In this respect'' he has .endeared himself to New Zealanders. Lord Jellicoe is essentially human, thoughtful, and delightful in his choice of the right thing to say at the right time. In his addresses throughout New Zealand to the schools and speaking to public gafTierihgs he has betrayed his thought for those who are to be the adults of to-morrow. He gives the impression that he is never happier than when listening to the ingenuous talk of boys and girls. Yesterday, through a busy day spent in the North Canterbury district, the unfailing geniality and likeableness of Lord Jellicoe was unmistakable. At Kaiapoi, for instance, when the proceedings of welcome were completed, his Excellencev remarked to the Mayor of Kaiapoi (Mr IT. M’lntosh): “1 would like to have a talk with the dHdren,” and he did so, much to their delight. He chatted with the old man who remarked that- he had seen 12 Governors in Now Zealand. “Who was the first?’' asked Lord Jellicoe. “Sir Edward Grey.” was the reply. “Surely I’m not the thirteenth,” said the Gover nor-General, hut he was re-assured. “Well,” he said to the old man, “ Am I the best looking?” And when at Kn.iapoi a dignitary forgot his linos and called for “three cheers for Lord and Lady Liverpool,” the humour of the situation was not lost on Lord .Liverpool’s successor. While visiting the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills bis Excellency discovered IT. Gould in the boiler room. Gould hod been a stoker on H.M.'S. Birmingham in v I,e North Sea. His hands were ‘oiled with grease and coal, hut that mattered rot. Lord Jellicoe insisted on a handshake, and the stoker obliged. Before his Excellency left the mill the employees gathered outside. His Excellency walked along to the group and said how pleased ho was to meet them. “Do any of yon come from Home,” he asked. “ I do,” replied a young- woman. “ Fra© Galashiels.” “ Ah,” said the GovernorGeneral. turning to an official with him. “that’s where you come from.” Lord Jellicoe addressed the employees nnd given hearty cheers as he drove a wav.