FAREWELL FROM THE CITY

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21411, 1 March 1935, Page 14

FAREWELL FROM THE CITY

* TRIBUTES TO LORD BLEDISLOE AN ENTHUSIASTIC HEMONSTRATION APPFF<~!ATJOX °I" SERVICES TO THE DOMINION The pr-jpir. of Christchurch and the surrounding districts gave their Excellencies Lord and Lady Biedis- ]'.■(? ;<n affectionate farewell yesterday. Their Excellencies spent the day attending functions in the city rt.nd wherever they went they were received with a warmth which Christchurch people rarely show. There was a particularly enthusiastic demonstration at the public farewell in the Civic Theatre at - onn, where, as at the other functions, ::pcal:e:s expressed the very • leep ;ipp"cciatiort of the community for iho services which both Lord BUdis!'--- :'nd Lady Bledisloe have r"\r:; the Dominion during their five

years' residence here. The programme for yesterday in- . hided vi.-'ts to "lloilylea" and '■Quamby.'' the institutions of the McLean'institute, to the Toe H headquarters by Lady Bledisloe and the Botanic Gardens by the Governor-C-or.enil, and by both to the Civic Theatre at noon. There was a short rcreinonv on behalf of the Boy Scouts at the railway station at Christchurch in the evening and a iareweil from the people of Lytteli..n and the Lyttelton Harbour Board bef' re their 'Excellencies board'•! f<■ inicr-island service .-.'eanv.v ; •- -••'■• I good-bye finally to ( ivic Function n,r. Civic Tucati-p could barely acmn,module Hi'' hundreds of citizens of -m ,-.-. and classes who attended to v';-;h " inch- Excellencies farewell. Kv'oiv -•at vas occupied, and by the •■'■-•. nianoi'v of its enthusiasm it was o'bviVn;-; ih'al this big crowd, rcprcscnt- ■<■■■ ihc feeling of all Canterbury, re•••ci'ed vc'v Muccrelv the impending Hornrt ure of Lord and Lady Bledisloe. rv'cw reference in the farewell -■pec-civ*:; to the good work their Exceljr >i''ies have done in New Zealand was irceived v.Lh long applause, and Lord

own speech, in which he save ,\"tv.' Zealandors much advice about the welfare of their country and of the Empire, was received with the enthusiasm. There was loud applause when their Excellencies, accompanied bv the Mavor iMr D. G. .Sullivan. M.P.~> and the Town Clerk •Mr J. S. Neville), walked down the central aisle of the theatre to the singe. The National Anthem was plaved on the city organ as their Excellencies reached their seats. On ihc sjyso wore the citv councillors and Uirif v.'ivs. his Lordship Bishop Brudio Nurse Maude, 0.8.E.. Profcs:or R. K. Alexander. C.M.G. (representing the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association>. Mr E. J. Howard. M.P.. Mr C. E. Jones (Cambrian Secietv of Canterbury ancl WcMlnnri) Mrs R. Wvnnc-Owen and Mrs H. Williams (Welsh Club), and nhTs. The Mavoress presented Lady Bledisloe with a bouquet from the women of ihe city. Official Address Mr Sullivan then read the following official address. which, with many views of the citv. was included in a bound album presented to the Gover-nor-General on behalf of the citizens: "On behalf of the citizens, we, the undersigned. Mavor and councillors of !h« citv of Christchurch desire on the rve of "your departure for the Homeland to express our deep appreciation of vour Excellency's illustrious services as Governor-General of New Zealand. We arc sensible of the great honour which was conferred upon the Dominion bv vour Excellency's appointment to the office five years ago. ; od v.e shall remember with grateful '•;■ the da:p inlerrst in all mailers r-'-iainiiiL' to the welfare of every scorn n of the community which has been '•smift-jted bv vour Excellency and bv her Evcilcncy Lady Bledisloe. 'Toe example of high service set by -.our ExceUcnev has won the admira-

i-'.n of --i'l, and stands as an inspiration to the m r mbcrs of all institutions whose rums are for the general good. "During vour Excellency's term of ftficr* not cnlv have the ties which bind us to trie British Commonwealth been strengthened, but there has grown up in the hearts of the people a strong personal atiection for vour Excellency ■ ■rA for her Excellency Lady Bledisloe. We shall ever cherish Ihe happiest memories of your Excellency's governorship of this Dominion, and wc sinffrelv rc-grct that it could not be of longer duration. We beg leave, on behalf of the citizens of Christchurch. to tender our farewells and to wish Godspeed to your Excellencies, and we hope that your Excellencies will retain happy recollections of them and .in interest in their welfare." The signatures of the Mayor and of •he councillors were attached to the address.. A Deep Affection Soealung in his informal address, Mr Sullivan mentioned that the big crowd •■'* citizens in the theatre was a tribute f\ respect, esteem and love for their Excellencies. The people of the Dominion not only had an exceeding re-(.pr.-t for fheir Excellencies, but il v.-*- accompanied by a deep affection. That affection was rooted in the serious t'oix'ern which their Excellencies had Riv.-ays shown for the welfare of the Dominion and its people. "Those of ns who have had on various occasions • •ome into intimate contact with their Excellencies have had special opportunities to realise the extent to which >:'-; Excellency has identified himself with the people of the Dominion. We have also had wise guidance and wist; words from Lord Bledisloe, and although this country has been favoured by its Governors-General, I do

not think that it is doing his distinKUJshed predecessors any injustice when I say that hir. Excellency has •-■.•on the love, respect, and esteem of •ho Dominion to a greater extent \']-..:". a'-y piTvinu.s holder of his post. "That" a'-o applies to her Exeel- ]'••<;■■," aid Mi' Sullivan, dui'ing ;''f.-i'; applau-e (or Lady Blcdisloe. "A.-id 1 hope that Lord Blcdisloe is •<..,- a jc-alou.. hu-band, for her ExcelIt.c.v Jj;.* i; not only won Ihe love of t' <-: v. omen "f r.Vv; Zealand, but of <'.ir. t.aun r.-, well." The ..layer r<-;;d a nuinb'T of ;:po!og-'Oi, including those from his •,ord<-hin Bishop West-Wafson, 1 lie Hon. V.\ Haywnrd. M.L.C., and Mr W. Math in Farewell from Fanners Professor K. E. Alexander, on behalf of the farmers of Canterbury, expressed their deep regret at the departure of their Excellencies and was loudly applauded when he referred to the splendid work done by Lord Bledisloe in the advancement of agriculture in the Dominion. Lord Bledisloe's interest in agriculture and in all matters pertaining to primary production had endeared him to the farming community throughout the Dominion,

Professor Alexander said. He had taken an enthusiastic and practical interest in farming. His Excellency had been well fitted to guide New Zealand farmers. At Home he was looked on as one of the foremost authorties on agricultural development and from the day he landed farmers in New Zealand had been able to feel that in his Excellency they had a friend, and a guide. His Excellency had always been ready to take part in any farming activity. Professor Alexander said that he could assure Lord Bledisloe that his suggestions for the advancement of agriculture had not altogether fallen on barren soil. His efforts might and would still bear fruit. Nor would the interest he had shown in the advancement of agricultural education be fruitless. His Excellency had played an important part in spreading the" cause for research in the Dominion. Her Excellency had also shown the deepest interest in the farmers of the Dominion, their problems, and the problems of their wives. From Cambria Mr C. E. Jones was frequently applauded when he referred to the services of Lady Bledisloe to New Zealand women. He spoke on behalf of the Welsh people of Canterbury and Westland. who had been greatly endeared to his Excellency for the way in which he and Lady Bledisloe had entered into every phase of national life in New Zealand. Mr Jones described Lady Bledisloe as an illustrious daughter of Wales. Their Excellencies must often have been reminded while travelling in New Zealand of the beauty of Wales and the Welsh people here felt sure that on their return to the Homeland they would be reminded again of "this wonderful little country." It was hoped that their Excellencies would have well-earned rest, health and happiness for many years to come. Mr Jones asked that his Excellency, on his return, would convey to his Majesty the King the continued loyalty and affection for the Throne of the Welsh people in New Zealand. 'We believe and hope with your Excellencies that the British Empire is and <vill remain the surest guarantee ot the protection of the weaker nations, the peace of the world at the present time, and in the years to come." Mrs R. Wynne-Owen presented her Excellency with a bouquet from the Welsh Club. The Welsh Club also presented her Excellency with an address in Welsh; the translation of which follows: "We sons and daughters of Wild Wales, loyal subjects of the British Empire deeply mourn your departure; yet we rejoice in your presence and vour achievements amongst us in this distant outpost during the past four years. Your Excellencies have engraved your names deeply in the annals of this fair Dominion. Your Excellencies have also shed lustre upon the whole Welsh community. May vour future be abundantly blessed " Members of the committee of the Hub signed the address.

Lord Bledisloc's Reply There were loud cheers when his Excellency rose to reply and spontaneously the audience stood to sing "For He's a Jollv Good Fellow." "1 thank the warmhearted citizens of Christchurch and of Canterbury for coming here in such large numbers at what must be an inconvenient hour for manv of them, to wish us a friendly " good-bye," his Excellency '-aid "It is exceedingly difficult to listen to a plethora of praise which we cannot pretend to merit. It is even more difficult to say good-bye to those whom we have come to regard as our life-long friends—friends we shall remember affectionately when we return to the Old Land. At the best we have but done our duty to our beloved sovereign, and his loyal subiects, and at the worst we have made many mistakes—far more, fortunately for us, than has perhaps been seen on the surface. But we have consoled ourselves with retted ion that he who makes no mistakes never makes anything at all." Lord Bledisloe paid a warm Inbutc to the assistance given him by Lady Bledisloe. She had been his constant encouragement and inspiration during difficult years, he said. It was an enormous source of satisfaction to him mat they were leaving the country at a time 'when the clouds were lifting on the economic horizon and when, as far as he could see. much brighter days were in store for New Zealanders. Referring to his interest in agricultural industries Lord Bledisloe said that he hoped that because his special interest had been in agriculture it would never be thought that he had been In any way unsympathetic with other industries in New Zealand. Nothing had given him greater satisfaction than to see how, through the medium of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and other channels, everything possible had been done _to create a sense of the common identity of industry in New Zealand. Up to New Zealand

"It rests with you to make your country what it ought to be," his Exccllencv added. "New Zealand should be the"Britain oT the South seas; the centre of progress, enlightenment and culture for all nations of the Pacific. Keep vour vision clear. We have travelled with you through the troubled waters of economic adversity and are proud of your courage, patience and resource. Now your ship is entering smoother waters we hope that you will maintain those invaluable national characteristics. W'wish you an affectionate good-bve and shall certainly not forget you." His Excellency spoke finally of the Maoris of New Zealand. He thanked a partv of Maoris who came from Tauhiwi for the farewell and warmly praised the native race for their loyalty and refinement. The Maoris were the most refined and spiritually minded native race to be found in any

part of the world. He appealed to New Zealand to see that the Maoris maintained their beautiful language and their characteristic accomplishments. The function closed with the National Anthem and cheers for their Excellencies. 'AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS TREE PLANTED BY LORD BLEDISLOE MAINTAINING A TRADITION By visiting the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where he planted a tree in memory of his stay in New Zealand, Lord Bledisloe yesterday maintained an old tradition. Former GovernorsGeneral of the Dominion have always visited the gardens.

His Excellency planted in a piece of lawn near the Magnetic Observatory, a young pinus canariensis (Canary Island Pine), which will replace the tree of the same species which was felled to prepare the site for the McDougall Art Gallery. "I declare this tree Well and truly planted: may it grow in greatness similar to the city in which it stands." snjd his Excellency, when he had completed the ceremony. Lord Blcdisloe, who was accompanied by Captain J. A. Tweed io, A.D.C., and Mr Henry Kitson, chairman of the Christclnirch Domains Board, was received by the Mayor, Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P. There were present the following members of the Domains Board:—Messrs George Harper, G. F. Whiteside, Albert Freeman, R. B. Owen, F. George, S. A. Orchard, Cr. T. H. Butterfield, a;id the Hon. D. Buddo, M.L.C. The secretary of the Domains Board, Mr W. F. Hilson, was also present, with the curator of the gardens, Mr J. A. McPherson. When his Excellency arrived he inspected with interest a massive table

used Tor the ceremony, which was marie by Mr W. H. Winsor, a member of the board, from timber cut. from the pfnus canariensis, which was felled, for the art gallery site. His Excellency expressed the hope that the new tree which he planted would be as successful in its growth as the one from which the table had been secured. Mr Kitson, in his welcome to Lord Bledisloe, said that it gave the Domains Board great satisfaction to know of the interest which both their Excellencies had taken in the gardens. The tree to be planted would be weli looked after and would remind visitors to the gardens of the valuable work done by their Excellencies for the Dominion. Mr Kitson mentioned Lord Bledisloe's gift of the Waitangi estate, and his untiring efforts to secure the preservation of New Zealand's native bush. Gardens Praised "I have (ravelled a good deal over Ihe world and throughout your Dominion, but I have not found anywhere public gardens belter planned and maintained than those of the city of Christchurch," Lord Bledisloe said. He had visited them frequently and had always been greatly interested, particularly in the section devoted to native plants. New Zealand had the finest native bush to be found in any part of the world, and he hoped that young people would be taught to realise its value. Lord Bledisloe i paid a warm tribute to the work of the curator, Mr Mcpherson. Few of the young men trained at the Royal Gardens at Kew had shown such great promise as Mr McPherson, he said. To plant the tree his Excellency used a spade, which will be inscribed and kept by the board as a memento of Lord Bledisk>e"s visit.