Presentation of Addresses.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue XXIV, 15 June 1901, Page III (Supplement)

Presentation of Addresses.

Addresses from representative bodies were received by His Royal Highness. ' Tn reply His Royal Highness said: “Gentlemen, —It gives us very great pleasure to have at last reached your

shores, and to receive in your oldest and most populous city addresses of welcome from its representative bodies, and from those of the Auckland district. “1 thank you for your declarations af unswerving loyalty to the throne and person of ray dear father, the King-. T can assure you that His Majesty follows with the deepest interest the successive events of the import ant mission entrusted to us by him.

“I look forward to making known to His Majesty how strong T have found tlie feeling of common brotherhood and readiness to share in the responsibilities of the Empire.

“I earnestly trust that the results of my journey may be to stimulate the interests of the different conutries in each other, and so draw even closer the bonds which unite them together.

“1 am indeed touched by your feeling allusions to the great life and cherished memory of our late l>eloved Queen. “Her Majesty, ever mindful that New Zealand was the first new’ possession acquired after her accession, watched with thankfulness and satisfaction the courage and perseverance of its early pioneers, its steady development and progress, the growth of a good understanding between the two races, and before the close of her glorious reign, she was proud to know they' were living together harmoniously, and vying with each other in loyalty to the throne. “On behalf of the Duchess and myself. I thank you warmly’ for your kindly’ expressions of greeting and goodwill, ample proofs of which we have seen in to-day’s brilliant and enthusiastic reception.

“Though we have now reached the furthest point from Home. 1 am certain that nowhere does the heart of the people beat more warmly’ towards the Mother Country. You have testified to this in your acts, and it is with true satisfaction that I come here expressing to you those feelings of gratitude so keenly’ entertained by our ever-lamented Sovereign and equally shared by His Majesty’ the King for the noble manner in which New Zealand place her gallant sons in the forefront of the battlefields of South Africa. You have, the proud satisfaction of knowing that from these islands has been despatched a force which, in proportion to population, was larger than that from any other of Bis Majesty’s colonies.

“Many, alas, have not returned to receive the loving welcome of their proud fellow countrymen. To their families T would ask to offer my sincerest sympathy. May’ some comfort be found in the thought that their names are added to the nation’s roll of fame—for each one, trooper or officer, has given his life in the noble cause of duty.

“I rejoice to learn that your country is prosperous, and that trade and commerce flourish. “I feel confident that in these day's of keen competition your responsible authorities will do all in their power to maintain and promote the best commercial interests of the Empire. “The Duchess and I anticipate with intense pleasure, our visits to the interior of your country. We hope in this way to make ourselves known to solne who might be unable to visit the cities, and we look forward to the opportunity’ of enjoying some, of its world-renowned scenery and natural wonders. We shall always treasure the happy' recollection of our first visit to New Zealand, and of the loyal and warm-hearted reception accorded to us by its people.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony’ of the presentation of addresses from various public bodies at Government Bouse yesterday afternoon, the Royal Commissioners, Messrs Seymour Thorne George, Henry Brett, John McLeod, and John Bohnes were presented to Bis Royal Highness. *