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1901. NEW ZEALAND.

VISIT OF THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CORNWALL AND YORK: VALEDICTORY LETTER FROM HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

Laid on the Table of both Houses of the General Assembly by Command.

H.R.H. the Duke of Cornwall and York to His Excellency Lord Ranfurly. Dear Lord Ranfurly,— Dunedin, 27th June, 1901. On the eve of our departure I am anxious to tell the people of New Zealand how happy we have been in their beautiful land, with what regrets we leave it, and what lasting feelings of gratitude we carry away for the loyal enthusiasm, cordiality, and kind-heartedness so universally accorded to us throughout our stay. I would ask you to convey to the Government our warmest thanks for all their thoughtful and admirably-carried-out plans for the accommodation, comfort, and entertainment of ourselves and pur staff. In addition to Government Houses at Auckland and Wellington, where you so kindly entertained us, both there and in other cities and towns, hotels were engaged for our use, private individuals and members of clubs most generously placed their houses at our disposal, and we know that similar hospitality awaited us at those places which, unfortunately, from want of time, it was not possible to visit. The railway arrangements have been invariably excellent, and everything possible was done to ensure the safety and comfort of our journeys, though I fear this must have entailed much extra work upon the officials and employes, as well as inconvenience to the travelling public. Every attention was shown by the Post and Telegraph Departments, and their work was promptly and efficiently carried out. The police service throughout the colony was most satisfactory, and performed with conspicuous tact and judgment. The reviews at Auckland and Christchurch, at which all branches of the New Zealand Forces were represented, enabled me to form some idea of the colony's splendid fighting material, and brought home to me more than ever the enormous accession of strength which the Empire can count upon if need should arise. The zeal and cheerfulness with which the Volunteers came together, in many instances travelling long distances both by land and sea, was worthy of the highest praise. I was proud beyond measure to witness'the enthusiastic reception which was everywhere accorded to the contingents which have returned from South Africa. I was particularly interested in the cadet corps, some of which showed marked steadiness on parade and when lining the streets, and the appearance and inarch past of the corps at Christchurch was especially creditable. I venture to think this movement is deserving of every encouragement, particularly as regards the provision of properly trained instructors, as, apart from its physical benefits, it infuses into the rising generation a spirit of discipline and esprit de corps which may tend to make better citizens as well at good soldiers. I learn with much pleasure that among the contingents sent to South Africa were many representatives of the school cadet corps, and in one instance no less than between sixty and seventy from a single corps joined the force. I was especially glad to meet face to face the Maori people, to have witnessed their vast and interesting gathering at Rotorua, and to have had personal friendly intercourse with their leading chiefs and representatives. It was gratifying to hear their assurance of loyalty to the King, their expressions of sorrow for their dearly loved Queen, and to experience their enthusiasm and warmness of heart towards ourselves. I am glad to think that this ancient and chivalrous race is living in peace and prosperity, and sharing with their pakeha brothers the duties and responsibilities of good citizenship. To your Premier, who has accompanied us on all occasions, I would ask you to convey our warmest thanks for his courtesy, kind attention, and untiring energy, which has in no small degree contributed to make our stay in New Zealand so enjoyable.