SAYING FAREWELL.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 830, 31 May 1910, Page 6

SAYING FAREWELL.

GOVERNOR AT CHRISTCHURCH. AN IMPRESSIVE SPEECH.' (By Telecranh—Press Association.) Christchurch, May. 30. Wisely, in view of the threatening nature of the day and the prospects of a iiret evening, the executive committee charged by citizens with the duty of making arrangements for a public farewell to his iExcellency Lord Plunket decided this morning to abandon the proposed open-air demonstration in Cranmer Square, for which elaborate preparations lad been made, and to hold the farewell function within the spacious walls of King Edward barracks. ■ ■ • Prom the point of view of attendance of the public, the function was undoubt-edly-a. success, but,, in other respects, it suffered'from all disadvantages necessarily involved when a large crowd of people, unprovided with seating accommodation, are invited to assemble to listen to There was scarcely a moment throughout the, whole of the proceedings when the voices of speakers could be heard beyond the immediate circle surrounding the raised dais on which his Excellency and the official party, together with members of tho City Council and other public personages, were seated, and the great majority of those present heard nothing. That, however, was largely their own fault, for the constant drone of conversation drowned the utterances of those speaking.. . • The military' arrangement, carried out under the supervision of LieutenantColonel Hawkins, Officer Commanding the District, were excellent, and went through without a hitch. A guard of honour was formed outside, and the Territorials kept clear the pathway through the crowd from the main entrance to tho platform, while the other different companies were stationed in the western end of the building. All the troops on parade were arrayed in the glories of full-dress, and presented a striking military spectacle. His Excellency, on arrival, was received hy the Mayor and town clerk, a salute yras sounded, and the Garrison Band played. The business of the evening was then commenced, 'and several long service medals were presented by the Governor; his Excellency 'pinning the medals on the breasts of the recipients himself; • The Mayor then presented the citizens' address, ■ and a souvenir for Lady Plunket. Three speeches were made, and his. Excellency replied in what was undoubtedly the best speech of the evening. He was listened to t\lth as much attention, as was possible under the circumstances, and the hearty reception with which he was greeted 'indicated the extent of the affection and goodwill' felt by the citizens of Christchurch for a popular and able Governor.

■': .-: In. replying to the address, his Excel- ,: lency said:—"lβ, the first place, I have ; '■ -to acknowledge your sympathetic "refer- • ■ /ence to the heavy loss which the Em- ', pire has sustained in the, death of King - - Edward, and to welcome your assurance i- of loyalty and devotion to King' George :■,■' V.' I have next to express to you my i' great regret' at' being unable to accept •'. the farewell hospitality which,- before '■■-~. the national calamity had taken place, !'■■■'■■ the city of Christchurch had offered me. '■"■■. , I need hardly tell you that the words of ■ ;' confidence and - goodwill contained in rur address, ana in many others which have. lately received, have touched me *':■ ..deeply.. To be assured, after" six. years among you, that I have not outstayed ' ' .. my welcome, and that you-regard the de- ■'.-.'' parture: of Lady • Plunket and myself ■ with regret, are. sentiments'which we \ •■"' ehall ever remember with pride. We, on .•./■'. our part, return to the Mother Country i. with many, regrets, with feelings' of ''::'. gratitude for countless kindnesses, and ; with deep and abiding interest in these ■ fortunate islands. In conclusion, I beg to thank you for the souvenirs which you • are presenting to, Lady Plunket and my- ; Belf..;We shall value them as tokens of your regard, but I can assure you that ;•••.-■•. no souvenirs are required to aid our. re- : membrances of the delightful city 'of 1 ' Christchurch. Friends we have made ■':■ and happy times we have spent ~~- :. amongst you.. Wβ are indeed gratified '. . to all for. the kindnesses which we have .' received,-and I can only say that, when we go Home, I hope that I shall be able ! .to be of some use to this country.' (Hear, hear.) I am one of those who look forward to an Imperial Parliament of the sister nations of our Empire.' (Hear, ..hear.) Its oreation I realise presents ■'■:. many difficulties, but its absence must, ,'. : in my opinion, in time lead to serious : 'dangers. In the meanwhile I should like you very much to think of me as going Home to join Lord Onslow, Lord Glas- . gow, and Lord Hanfurly as an- enthusiastic, if nnofiicial, member for New Zealand in the Parliament of the United ; . Kingdom. (Loud applause.)