GOVERNOR AT RAETIHI.

Dominion, 24 February 1913, Page 6

GOVERNOR AT RAETIHI.

SPLENDID WELCOME. (By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent.) Wannanui, February 23. Tho Earl of Liverpool, New Zealand's new Governor, is evidently determined to gain first-hand kriowledgo of tho backblocks by personal inspection. A few days ago his Excellency,' accompanied by the Countess of Liverpool, met a Native assemblage at Jerusalem, a place visited only by two previous Governor.*. Following up that experience their Excellencies drove across country to Raetihi— Waimarino's commercial and stock centre—and the visit was invested with new interest, inasmuch as that territory, which is now merging from bush into a farming district with great possibilities, had never been visited by a-representative of the King. The whole-countryside, therefore, was on a tip-toe with excitement, and when the Vice-Regal party arrived there was a very general and spontaneous outburst of enthusiasm. Upon arrival at the show grounds their Excellencies were me j h l Mr , , „ Sm ii l1 ' M - p - for th » strict, and Mr. W. Harris, chairman of tho Agricultural and Pastoral -Association which that day was holding its fourth annual show. Mr. Harris, chairman of tho A. and P. Association, in the course of his stieech of welcome, said: "It is with the greatest measure as well as of gratitude that, on behalf of .the residents of the Waimarino district, I welcome you to Eaetihi and our show. During all the years this district has been settled,'you are tho first Governor who has visited our town, and our hearts go out to you accordingly. Wo are sure that Hie-loyal feelings of, all, both young; and old, will bo quickened Ijy thus being permitted to como into direct contact witli tho representative of his Majesty, the King. Your Excellency, being familiar with A. and P. 'shows in argcr and more.settled districts, will hardly find much to, interest you in our modest effort, but wo trust that it may not,be altogether, uninteresting to see a show in .the making, and an A. and P. society-in its infancy.. Such as our exhibits are, however, iro welcome you and your party, to view them, arid, if you can .feel.that anything, is worthy of your'attention, wo shall be grateful. Wo'hcartily thank your Excellency for yielding to our wishes, and modifying.your programme so that you could visit ns here "- ' •Mr/Simthr-Jfcl';, aU6 spoke. His Excellency' briefly thanked tho sneakers for- the- loyal references made, and the people of Waimarino for the verv kindly reception accorded to "Both himself and Lady Liverpool, and lie further comentfd tho splendid feelir**? of oneness in niattcrs of loyalty to tho Empire when ho indicated, in a happy little speech, that ho intended, during his term of office in the Dominion,,to not only go into the populous places, but,. in company with Lady Liverpool, to see as much of this beautiful country and as' many of tho people as they possibly could. It was his aim to further the interest of tho Dominion, not only while he was here, but also when ho returned to tho Homeland. (Anplnuso:), . '..■ At the call of Mr. Smith,, thr.4 very hearty cheers were then given for his Exrellencv. and three for Lady Liverpool. Tlra vice-regal party then 'visited • the produce hall and saw.-.n. ;mo*t creditable display.in- the home-industry section, The stock sections*, and-jumping' corapotitions were also '.viewed with jn&rest. and hi* Excellency expressed himself as.being bath nleawd and artonished at the fine exhibition and at what had been accomplished in eo short a time.