CIVIC RECEPTION

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24906, 20 June 1946, Page 4

CIVIC RECEPTION

GOVERNOR-GENERAL IN AUCKLAND

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, June 19. “In this building where we have paid our respects to so many distinguished servants of the Empire during the last few tragic but glorious years, we salute to-night yet another great leader,” said the Mayor (Mr J. A. C. Allum) in the Town Hall to-night when welcoming the Dominion’s new Governor-General (Lieutenant - General Sir Bernard Freyberg) and Lady Freyberg at a civic reception. About 2500 citizens were present in the body of the hall, and on the stage were representatives of the services, the Church, the judiciary, and local bodies. Mr Allum paid a tribute to the work of Lady Freyberg on behalf of New Zealanders overseas.

The Hon. H. G. R. Mason, who represented the Government, said there could have been no happier choice for Governor-General than that of the man who was so closely associated with New Zealand and with Great Britain. In Lady Freyberg the women of New Zealand had a capable, charming, and symnathetic leader.

Rising to accept an illuminated address of welcome from the Mayor, his Excellency was greeted with cheers. He reviewed the history of the 2nd New Zealand Division, paying high tribute to its quality. Their Excellencies arrived by train this morning and will spend two days in Auckland making official visits.