FAREWELL WORDS

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1604, 22 November 1912, Page 6

FAREWELL WORDS

'■'. iTHE GOVERNOR AND .THE CITIZENS. '■: GREAT AT THE i-"'""SPEECHES' BY LORD AND LADY - ?.-.:■■■ ISLINGTON. -: :'.' .'.-.:. ,- The.citizens'.fareweil to Lord and.Lady [. Islington in', the .Town' Hall last evening : was an impressive demonstration of popuv.lar goodwill: . Before/tho hour appointed ' for starting every : seat in the";hall was oc■'".enpied. Flags and banners hanging from ■"lines"''stretched across "the hall, lent ;.a '• eay note, of colour, to .the scene. The.-front, ; " seats-in tho auditorium were occupied by ; Maori"' War. iveterans arid' immediately in ■the rear Eat'the'iuembers of a number oi 'friendly societies, wearing tho'regalia of ■'I their respective lodges.- The choir seats Sror'e occupied by tho members of the -• Royal Wellington Choral Society—a choir : of 270 voices. The Mayor (Mr. : D. M'Larr eu) presided, and other's present included tho Mayoress (Mrs. M'L-aren), the Hon. A. X; Hcrdm'aii,-theHon/.'H, D, Bell, Mr. ' :T; M.'Wilfbrd,:M'.P.,;Mr. R, Fletcher i '{chairman of-the Harbour Board), Mr. J. Trevor'-'(chairman of the Hospital-Board), and'numerous, other; members of local ' bodies. ' " . ' '. "_ :. ■ ; , Their ExcelleneiesLbrd and Lady Isling- ; ' ton, were' 'heartily- ap'plauded as thoy.. oil-. : tered the hafly 'accompanied by. their suite, arid the assembled spectators rose to their ' feet ; as the choir-sang the-National An-. i them,'.: Mr.'.'Haugh'an: Harriett playing an .'-. accompaniment oh'-the organ. '■■""'•" '.'. ' Tho.Town Clerk (Mr. 3, K, Palmer) read ' 'the -following telegram, from- tho Prime Minister (the Hon. W. F.. Massey): r . • . "I re»ret exceedingly that my public enicagemontsin.■ Auckland province prevent iliy.'having the privilege of. being .present I -with you this evening; knowing as I.do the : .ikecn and active interest that hisLxeellencj. '[has always taken, in -the welfare ... and ! iprosperitv of the Dominion. 1 am. also ' Pleased '-that tho citizens of .the capital : city'are taking, this opportunity of doing his Excellency fitting honour; on his departure from their midst. Will you.please i ... express -'my. apologies for my unavoidable I absence?'-'- W ■■'••■ v ;' : ■ .- •',.'•.,,/", ■•' I . i A 'telegram from'Sir-Joseph Ward, ex- ! -pressing on behalf of'himself-and Lady ! ,Ward 'a'pblogles'for absence, and'bidding '' farewell to Lord and Lady .Islington was .-also read. -There was likewise a--.letter ;■ /conveying a message fro pi the Veterans I' '•Association.' : : .'A CORDIAL APPRECIATION. ','"■' ;.:tHD: MAYOR'S ADDRESS. -' Mr;"D. M'Larcn'(Mayor) apologised for the fact that the Town Hall was not'large I enorigli'to'accoiuniodate all the people who -Iwished to attend to say farewell to their i' .In'bidding-farewell to Lord 'and-Lady Islington they were not' only :'. ibidding farewell to the representatives of ■ '-'the dung and of the Imperial Power, but ;. 'to people who had stolen a- way into : ,their hearts arid won their affections. The r. ./time that their Excellencies had. stayed ' iliftd'-blapsedV all too: soon. In. the short -.".period' of two and a half years the in!■';'■'.terests that Lord and-Lady Islington had -:-'■ touched.had been those of .the people of this country. Personally he .was indebted ;- to Lord Islington for many lessons in tho irt of the governance of city affairs. No one. ; had shown-such complete ; knowledge and I [. such' - a.'-keen'interest in all pertaining lb ■local government; as had Lord Islington. ;■ He. commended Lady Islington's womanly j , concern for the children—a. quality, which jrippealcd to all that was manly m men. ; jS'ho had given whole-heartedly, her support' | '•'to the kindergarten movement for'thc chil■,dren of 'this city. As a member of the .."I trust set up'to administer-.-.the ' T. G. j . jMacarthy Trust, he regretted his Excel- , -leniencywas'leaving.'for'he:felt that ■: in ; Lord Islington ho was losing a wise'couri;eellor and "help." His Excellency, had enjoyed, the fullest and truest respect 'of the minds of Now. Zealand people,' arid at the . tame time and-isincerest reispcct ofttheirJiearts.- N6iH;'hlthough they " .'felt deeply touched when called upon to say farewell, they wore glad'that his Excellency was to take a larger part in the ;■'• affairs of the Empire. They all trusted that there, his work .would be as it had been here in New Zealand—for the good ; of the Imperial interest. During his stay .'. hero he .had-.taught an Imperialism that was sound and practical;;an imperialism ." that was.absolutely, fre'e-from cant;- if he, >'_"■■ might nso the word, an Impefialis'm that j touched. the chordsan the) common.-', na-. tures ofall the citizens of New Zealand, which led them to offer the hand of fellow- ■ fihip to their brothers' and'sisters in the' '.•' «reat Empire to which"thev' all belonged. Their Excellencies had not only been the ' representatives of his Majesty the' King, but they; had been ■truly guides and helpers in .the destinies of this cify and 0f- ... this'""country. ; (Applause.) He presented to Lady -Islington nn album of photographs;','.expressing the " Jiopo that the gift','.inai|nific"anf; ; -'iii,' itself, .. might help to.l-eep.^green'm'embribsthat . were perchance pleasant';-"(Applause.) In conclusion he wished their Excellencies God Speed;'in their.going from us, and (hoped that their destinies might be in the jkeepmg of Him who moulded life unto . litis own purpose..' (Applause.) V';N,EW ZEALAND'S.REGRET. . . SPEECH BY HON.-H.D. BELL. The Hon. H. D. Bell said-that he was Sicmmissione'd by tho Priine Minister to \express lis sincere regret that he could -aiotb.e. that night.with the citizens of . Wellington. The' Prime Minister would (have au opportunity, in Auckland, of exi Jiressing.the regret that New Zealand felt iat losing Lord and- Lady Islington. Aljthongh' two other Governors (Sir James. Perguson and! Lord Onsldw).-hae! : heen r re--. (called.to England.during"tli'eir term of - office in Now Zealand, Mr;- Bell continued, .; .there had been only one; Governor other Hhan Lord Islington who"'had been called (during.his tenure of office to "hold a {higher position in the.-English State. .That other was Sir George Grey. . The recall of-Lord;lslington exemplified this— "- ttat England was sending her statesman . :to her Dominions .now, mt(n who, were not only fitted to hold-the flrst-.'.piaco \jn a Dominion or colony, but who held tin assured- place in the. councils of the nation itself. ' (Applause.),' With, the- re- : fipect that was felt for theii'. Excellencies •by the people of New Zealand, - there was now mingled a personal. regard. jThe people of the Dominion, whilevre- . fretting Lord Islington's departure, shar- \ ■, ed in the congratulations: tendered him [upon his being.■called.to a higher, office. (Lord Islington would no'doubt "welcome a 'sehango from the .^Governorship. of a Dojiuirii'on to a position in which he .would fbe free to-exert his/abilities in active .' (political life.- Such a position must be ibetter suited to such a man as tho Gov- , lernor. Lord Islington was attaining, a . :6phere . where his real usefulness could . be exemplified. They all recognised that the Governor had received valuable as.iist'rince'from, the'dignity/and social influence lof Lady Islington. (Applause.) In mattes of social import,-male membors of •the community..might look .to. tho Governor's staff as the glass ,jaf fashion and •the mode of form, but' with the better halves the Governor's lady .was supremo. (Applause. .All New Zealand had recognised that her Ladyship had preferred her public duty as the Governor's wife to • •that instinct which led all to seek privacy under a great and overwhelming sorrow. As represeriting the Government, ho tendered their Excellencies a respectful and ■:■■■ regretful farewell, and expressed a hope that in their lives they might be as for,tunato as they "had"-made- the people pmong whom they had.lived. >THE BEST:REPRESENTATIVE."MR. FLETCHER'S TRIBUTE. . Mr. R. Fletcher (chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board) said his Excellency the Governor was,;in his opinion, the best representative,'of his Majesty, this country had ever seen. Tho duties of Governor naturally circumscribed tho activities of a man of»-such, talents, as Lord Islington, but he had done his best to know the people of this country, and he had spoken and given valuable advice on the subject of local government—a subject on which he was well fitted to speak. He' looked upon Lord Islington's appointment here as merely an' opportunity afforded him of adding to his already larsje store of knowledge, so that he might be better equipped to take his part in tho councils of the Empire... Lord Islington had boon a busy man, aiul'h'ad'.held-iuany important commissions. Ho had always

looked upon Lord Islington as one of the builders cf the Empire, and thoy all "recognised that tho position to which he had now been appointed was a steppingstone to some higher position. Now he was.leaving the. oolonv with the goodwill of everybody. '.He (Mr. Fletcher) hoped that iiv. time to. como Lord Islington would look back upon his stay here with some kindly recollection of the people of New Zealand. (Applause.) A FORMER MAYOR. A LOYAL PEOPLE. Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P., was the next speaker. He recalled the. fact that he had had the honour, as Mayor of the citv, of welcoming .the Governor upon Jiis arrival. Great as was the popular cntlrashown on'that occasion, it was to some extent due to curiosity.' The enthusiasm that night was an. earnest and 'genuine testimony of the citizens otue-lington-a testimony not only &siM«ie respect, but of. absolutely heart-felt and genuine affection. (Applause.) Governors might como and 'go-tew meu .had to faculty of worming themselves ,uito the hearts of the people-but it ever there had been a Governor and a Governorsin to who had "made good' in this coui t J 1 it was Lord and Lady Islington. Iho poor girls whom Lady Islington had helped loved her. The poor boys in tho. Institute whom Lord Islington had befriended wished him well. .So, too, did the old veterans, and many If •■ the - men who controlled , Imperial affairs had the experience and £ide -knowledge- of . Lord Islington the Oversea Domiiipns. wenld hove little reason for complamt. His Excellency, signified and typified for'them what was best in.the 'British Constitution. Mi. Wilford asked' Lord Islington to take to the other, end of the world a message that,- notwithstanding a discordant note now and then, the people of New" Zealand were loyal-not loyal. (Loud applause.) Her Excellency, Mr. Wilford continued, by her charm, graciousness, sincerity, and - ever-readmess to assist those who required it, had mado a name in New Zealand that would, never b° forgotten. The gathering of citizens that evening, Mr. Wilford stated A conclusion, was only- a small indication of ■the esteem in which their Excellence were undoubtedly held. , (Applause.) CARE OF THE SICK. HOSPITAL CHaTrMAN'S TRIBUTE. Mr' James Trevor (chairman cf the Hospital Board) said that no one u-gret-ted the departure of their Excellcicies more than did the members of the pital and Charitable Aid .f'oaril. ;\° doubt there would be greater scope lor . = Excellency's talents m- the.sjveat tnijire of. India than even in ..Sow «d (Laughter and Applause.) Je hoped 11 lit Lord Islington's mission to India would be a most'successful one. Lady Islington iir her frequent visits to the hospital, giving, words of cheer- and comfort to-tne, sick there, had endeared herself to every inmate, of the institution whom she had met. Lord Islington, too, had also given valuable advice to the ■ .board when tho Children's Hospital, was. constructed, and many of. his suggestions had been embodied in tho plans finally adopted. In other ways also their Excellencies had given ready assistance on many occasions. He hoped their lot in other parts of the world would be a happy one. LORD ISLINGTON IN REPLY. >A GOVERNOR'S IDEALS. THE PDTUEE OF.NEW ZEALAND. When Lord Islington rose'to reply he was loudly, applauded and he was not allowed to speak until cheers had been heartily given for himself and for Lady Islington. He said that he found great difficulty in answering adequately the expressions of kindly regard for himself and ■Lady Islington aiid of regret'at their departure. He took it that the'great gathering before him had assembled to show him, on the eve of his departure, ■ their unwavering loyalty and devotion as citizens'to the person and to the -throne' of King George whom he had'the honour to represent in this Dominion. This message ho would deliver to the King at the earliest possible date. New Zealand, from, its earliest days, -had held throughout the length and breadth of the a high reputation for the loyalty of its people to the Throne and their de■voti'on to the Imperial system.' New Zealand, as Mr. Wilford'had said, did not show its-patriotism in mere lip-service, but never lost an opportunity to show devotion to the Imperial system by practical action in its interests. As those who had ■ spoken \ had ' ' indicated his sojourn, though brief, had been full of interest. • He had been assisted to an invaluable degree by her Excellency Latiy Islington. (Applause.) - Under the auspices of. many friends he had had the opportunitv of'studying various branches in the national life in this country. On arriving he realised that the activities of a Governor largely rested in his own discretion, and he resolved to conduct the fullest possible researches into the public life of New Zealand. Two ideals that he had set before him were to assist and help where ho could in the promotion of national progress, and secondly of Imperial unity. It had been, pleasing to him, as it had been to Lady' Islington, to find that any efforts they, had been- abler to make in this direction had been so generously accepted and acknowledged by the people of Wellington and of New Zealand. In all countries, and especially in new countries, it -was necessary that all branches of development should proceed simultaneously. It was not good that a countrv should develop in one branch while "other branches were neglected. The Power of a Governor. It lay. within the power of a Governor ond.'his wife-to assist those branches of development which needed assistance. It was by attention and support; minute and continued, that a country moved forward on even to steady lines. Ho was aware that he had painfully fallen short of the ideals that were in his mind when he came hero, but he knew that the people of Now Zealand, in their generality, would accept what ho'and Lady Islington had done, so far as it went, arid in the spirit in which they had put it forward.. He regarded agriculture as the corner-stone, the very blood and marrow of this country. Tho progress of agriculture in such a country as New Zealand reacted on all parts of the community, whether they lived in urban or in rural districts. Wherever he went he would take a deep. interest in what he hoped would be tho rapid and extensive development of this magnificent country. He would watch also improvements in transport, the nrogress of agricultural education, and the spread of scientific methods. He stressed this matter, be■c'auso he would like to feel 'that his voice had imnresjed some of his auditors with the importance of their being in close touch with the interests of country life in the Dominion. Not only would this great industry secure the ground-work of national'prosnerity. but'its development would afford the best possible guarantee of the continued security of the country as an integral nart of the Empire.- Another matter of supremo importance from tho point of view of the continued security of this distant portion of the Empir* was that of maintaining a steady a"d healthv increase in tho population. . He would venture to say. from very close observation, that colonisation in New Zealand was as important to-day as it was •in the early days when the country was first ilnveloned. 'immigration on practical lines should be sedulously encouraged. A Term Full of Event. If his term had been a short one it had been at any rate one full of interest and event, lie. had had an. opportunity in that opportunity denied to his presiding over no fewer than three GovernmSnts, and.he vfpnld like to say, before he left, with what pleasure he had worked in co-operation withe Very one of those respective Governments, and with every individual member of them. all. (Applause.) He had also seen the birth and early establishment of tho land defence force of New Zealand—(applause)—and it had been a great pleasure to him to do what he could in the position he occupied to assist and encourage those who were engaged in the great work of formulating and establishin? that scheme in this country-. Ho was quite sure that with the united, co-opera-tion of the patriotic people of New Zealand that the defence scheme was-going to he established with firm rooU, and with permanency, and that it would be a great ' ih'cii'al iiiid'-physical : benefit to future generations of this country, a great pro-

tection to its shores, and a great assistant, if the need arose, to the defence of tho Empire. (Applause.) The people of New Zealand would have to face one day the problem of naval defence, and when that came to be done, ho was sure that it would be done in cooperation with the other Dominions, and that tho people of Now Zealand would maintain those Imperial aspirations which had always been their pride and boast. (Applause.) "With You in Sympathy." He warded the great andienco present, and its kindly courtesy and enthusiasm, as an indication of their continued devotion to the Throne, but he was suro it betokened also a kindly personal affection for Lady Islington and himself. (Applause.) He need Hardly say how very much touched they both were at this expression of kindness. Every where, too, he heard expressions of confidence that ho would do with credit the work imposed upon him in tho Indian Empire, tie realised how important, and how difficult mid how delicate, that work would be, and ho would not dare to say he was going to succeed in it. Ho thanked them all lor their presence, .and for the courtesy extended to himself and Lady Islington ever since lie had arrived here. He would like to express, also, his gratitude to tho daily press of the city of Wellington— (applause)-ibr Iho invariable courtesy and attention given to him. "I have now como to tho end of my remarks, he said in conclusion, "and 1 would only say good-bve. To many of you I hope that it may be but au revoir, and that I shall have an. opportunity of seeing many faces that have becomo familiar to me on your visits to the Old Country. Of this you may be sure, that when w© leave theseshores, Lady Islington and 1, if wo slial be away from you in person, we snail always be with you in sympathy and in regard." (Applause.) ■ .' . "KEEP YOUR WEATHER WITH YOU." LADY ISLINGTON'S FAREWELL. Lady Islington, being invited by tho Mavor to speak, rose amid a storm of applause. "It is two years since I spoko to vo'u in this very hall after a journey half round the world,"' said her Excellence "And if 1 remember rightly one of the things I mentioned was the wea-. ther. I have thought a great deal of the weather since that day, and I should like to say to you all that I hopo you don't think I brought tho bad weather to yon. I should not like to take it away with.nie, and at the same time I feel sorry that I must leave it with you. I should say to you: •'Citizens of Wellington, protect your property; keep your weather with yon.' I was very sad when I came here at leaving my home, but as I said to some dear friend.? of mine this afternoon, since I have been here I have mado so. many friends, and- you have been so kind io" me that tho alien love I have for you is almost equally as strong as the legitimate loyo I have for my own home. ... I shall often think of you. And I shall be proud when I hear people speaking of the rallant and brave Now Zealandcrs who always been to the forefront in everything Imperial and who have 6uch a great love for the people at .Home." .In' conclusion Lady Islington wished the audience and all tho citizens of Wellington, good-bye, happiness, and prosperity. (Applause.) • * The company then sang "AuloV Lang Syne" and then a'verse of the National Anthem.. At suitable intervals during the evening musical items were provided bj' tho Eoynl Wellington Choral Society. Tho Orpheus quartet, Miss Denhard, and Mr. John Prouse. PRESENTATION BY THE INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS. AN ILLUMINATED ADDRESS. On Wednesday his Excellency the Governor was ; presented by,'tho Institute of Architects, of which he is patron, with a beautifully illuminated and bound address, the. toxt of which ran:—, "To His Excellency the Right Honourable John Poynder Dickson-Poyndcr, Baron Islington. P. 0., K.C.M.G., D.5.0., patron of the New Zealand Institute of Architects:— ..,..,, ~ .; "May'it please your'ExcWchcy': Oh the eve of your Excellency's departure from this Dominion, the council of tho New Zealand Institute of Architects, for themselves and their fellow-incmbers, desires to place on record their appreciation of the interest your Excellency has shown in the welfare of this institute by accepting and'occupying the office of its patron, and, while regretting your Excellency's departure from. amongst, us, we earnestly hope that your Excellency may be pleased to continue your interest in our welfare, and that your Excellency, together with: her Excellency- (Lady Islington) and your daughter, may by the blessing of Almighty God, continue to enjoy good health and happiness. "'We'feci gratified that the great services rendered by your Excellency to this Dominion have been but tho forerunner of higher Imperial missions, and 'we trust that your Excellency- may long be spared to continue your labours for the Empire, which in the past have been of such inestimable benefit. • "On behalf of the council, we have the honour to subscribe ourselves Tour Excellency's most ■ obedient servants— . "A. ATKINS, president, "P. de J. CLEKE, lion, treasurer, "' "R. P. BACON, hon secretary, "W. B. PLAITS, secretary." The address was presented to his Excellency by Mr.'A. Atkins (president of tho Institute) in tho presence' of representatives of the council. In reply, Lord Islington expressed his gratification' at tho kind thought which had prompted the presentation, which was one he would esteem very highly. Ho was especially glad to find 'that his efforts in two most important directions affecting, the welfare of tho Dominion had found such a pleasing response. Ho had especially interested himself in these tiro things—the development of agriculture and tho improvement of civic life, both of which vere of vital importance. Ho would cherish tho gift as a memento of pleasant and useful days spent, in Now Zealand. . ' . The address was illuminated by Miss Greenish (of the staff of Atkins and Bacon) and was bound by Mr. Hugh Douglas. GIFT TO LADY ISLINGTON. FROM THE WOMEN'S SOCIETIES. Yesterday afternoon representatives of various women's societies in Wellington met at Government House for the purpose of making a joint presentation to her Excellency Lady Islington, as a token of t'heir appreciation of her practical interest and sympathy in tho cause of women and children. Miss Coates, president of th« Victoria League, in a very brief and appropriate speech, presented tho gift, which took the form of an illuminated address, bound in New Zealand woods. It bor» the words:—"Tho officers and members' of the Victoria League, Girls' Branch of the Victoria League, Young Women's- Christian Association, Richmond Frc» Kindergarten, Girls' Friendly Society for Promoting Health of Women and Children, Society for Protection'of Women and Children, Girls' Peace Scouts, Pioneer Club, Girls' Realm Guild, wish to express their regret at your approaching departure from tho Dominion of New Zealand, and their very sincere appreciation of your kind and generous help to all sociotie9 promoted for tlio benefit of women and children. Your Excellency's example and kindly help will be long remembered, and wo all wish to express our gratitude and offer good wishes to you and your family for tho future." . ■ The address was signed by the presidents and representatives , of the abovementioned societies in tho order givon .— Lavinia Coates, Annie J. Corliss, Mary M'Lean, Ellen S. Greenwood, Kate M. Evans, Janet' Williams, L. M. Atkinson, Ada Garlick, M. H. Chatfield, hon. secretary. Her Excellency greatly admired the gift from the societies, and expressed her appreciation in the following speech:—"lt. is . difficult to find words to express. to yon my gratitude for this farewoll address. I am deeply touched that you should have tho'ught;,of it., You represent the different associations with whom I have been conuected during my stay in Now Zealand. I have realised • the responsibility of tho position I have held as wife of the Governor of this Dominion, and anything I have been able to do to encourage lh(> good work which you Indies are carrying on, 1. have Iwen pleased io do as part of iny.riuly.. For the liUk, I have done, I require no tlinnk* or recognition except io feel that I have been of i-onip ii=o. Hut 1 think T may hike this address—and 1 lik* to think ;o—as a token of your personal affection for me, and as such I slnll always prise' and

value it as well as for iis own attractiveness. "I was very sad when I left my homo in England lor this distant part of the Empire, but now that I am returning to England, to my own homo, to friends, I find t!io alien Jove that has teen implanted in my heart warring with the legitimate lovo for my own home. I met you here, as strangers, .but I am leaving you as friends. You and-1 have, tried together to help our less fortunate- sisters in this Dominion. "I leave you with my best wishes and my continued interest in the continuance of this work, and I hope that the societies will, one and all, prosper exceedingly. I thank you for your constant courre'sv and the" affection you have shown me) which lias made our association so pleasant. The memory of that kindness and courtesv will never fade from my mind. I shall often think of you when on the other side of the world, when I am awake and you are asleep, and I can, ns I know, count on your remembrance when my night is your day." Her Excellency, at tho conclusion of the presentation ceremony, then entertained the ladies at afternoon tea. Both Miss Stapleton-Cottou and Mrs. Guiso wero present, mid it was with sincere wishes to Ladv Islington for n very pleasant -voyage," nml with expressions of regret at their loss, that the littlo gathering of the societies' representatives finally dispersed. The covers of the casket in which the address was 'enclosed were of maire tavhake, the inner slip on -the front was of rcwarewa, the centre panel of the front waved totara, and tho centre panel of the hack'of totara knot. In the centre of tho outside cover is a coronet in silver, and her Excellency's monogram is enamelled silver. The engrossing and illuminating was the work of Mr. "W. R. Bock, and it had been beautifully done. The corners of the pages are ■ illustrated with vignettes of scenes in tho North and South Islands of New Zealand, showing ilonnt Egmont, Wairoa Geyser, Wanganui River, and tho Tasman Glacier,. TJiero were even representations of Maori carving, so that the gift was entirely tvpical of this country. , "Mrs. Chatliold, honorary secretary of the Victoria League, was tho originator of tho idea for tho joint presentation, and upon approaching tho other societies, found that they received the suggestion with much pleasure. Mrs. Chatiield was alio partly responsible for tho form which the presentation took.