DUKE’S DEPARTURE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 107, 30 January 1935, Page 10

DUKE’S DEPARTURE

Sails From Russell In Brilliant Sunshine MEMORIES OF VISIT Message From GovernorGeneral ROYAL VISITOR’S REPLY By Telegraph.—Press Association. • Russell, January 29. " Having concluded his tour of New Zealand, the Duke of Gloucester left Russell at 9.40 a.m. to-day for Fiji, in the brilliantly line weather which prevailed practically throughout his visit to the Dominion, bis Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, boarded the cruiser H.AI.A.S. Australia from the Matai at 0.30 a.m., and exchanged farewells with his Royal Highness on the quarter-deck. In his farewell message to the Duke Lord Bledisloe said “I desire on behalf of the Government and the people to wish you most cordially an affectionate farewell and a safe return to the Alotherland. Our earnest hope is that you carry with you as happy memories - of your visit to tl is loyal country, as its people of botn races and of all classes will ever cherish your ail too brief sojourn in their midst. The friendly and sympathetic interest you displayed in them and their ■ various avocations and activities have assured for you the warmest place in their hearts. Your visit has cemented even more firmly than heretofore the ties that bind the Dominion so closely to the Throne and the land they are wont to designate as Home, and following a period of almost unprecedented economic adversity has helped to awaken a feeling of greater hope and confidence in its future destiny. That God’s richest blessing may ever be yours is, I.am sure, the unanimous prayer of his Majesty’s loyal subjects in this distant outpost of the British Empire.” Message to His Majesty. In a message to the King Lord Bledisloe .gaid that tile Duke had been indefatigable in seeking to make himself acquainted with all sections of the population scattered over wide areas. His obviously genuine interest in their well-being and his friendly and intimate participation in various forms of recreation had evoked enthusiastic admiration and had strengthened the feelings' of attachment for his Majesty’s Throne and person, and for the Old Country, whence most of their forefathers came and for which they always retained a deep sentimental affection. “His piTsence among us at a time when the dark clouds of prolonged industrial depression are beginning' to give place to the sunshine of more assured prosperity and more extensive employment for our working population,” his Excellency, added, “has, moreover, contributed materially to the feeling of greater confidence and hope in the future. It is with sincere regret that New Zealand says good-bye to the Royal guest who during his brief sojourn in our midst has proved himseif a true ambassador of Empire.” Lord Bledisloe also sent a message to Captain Macleod, of H.AI.A.S, Australia, expressing the hope that -the ship’s company enjoyed the time spent in New Zealand and that the journey home would be safe and happy. Their visit would lifiljj materially to strengthen the spirit of comradeship and goodwill between Australia and New Zealand so essential for the future welfare of the two countries. - “Appreciate Good Wishes.” The Duke of Gloucester, before his departure from Russell for Fiji today, sent the following farewell message to the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe: — “Your Excellency,—l appreciate the message of farewell and good wishes which you are good enoughMo send to me on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand, and I ask you to accept yourself, and to convey to them, my warmest thanks for my most enjoyable visit to the Dominion and for the cordial welcome which I have everywhere received. “I wish especially to express my gratitude to all those who have been concerned with the organisation and arrangements of the tour and have made it so comfortable and interesting. The consideration shown in the preparations of my programme has enabled me, with the least possible effort, to travel through many parts of New Zealand, observing its conditions and its beauty, meeting its people and taking part in the sport which it offers. “I have been particularly impressed by the unmistakable assurance of New’ Zealanders’ loyalty to the King and Empire, and by the welcome appearance of health and happiness in the children. I would ask your Excellency to assure the people of New Zealand that I sympathise deeply with them in the difficult times through which they are passing, and that I shall take an affectionate interest in their welfare through the years to come. —Henry.” Commonwealth and Dominion. In reply to his farewell message the Governor-General received the following from Captain McLeod, of H.M.A.S. Australia :— “Your Excellency,—l, my officers and the ship’s* company thank you sincerely for your kind message. _ We have all thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Dominion of New Zealand, and are most grateful to you and the people we have met for the great hospitality extended to us. We leave New Zealand and the many friends we have made with the greatest regret. We are happy to think that, as members of the Royal Australian Navy, we have contributed in a small way to cement the bond of friendship that exists between the Commonwealth and the Dominion. Good-bye.—Captain McLeod.” “A HAPPY EMBASSY” Value of Tours by King’s Sons By Telegraph-—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received January 30. 12.10 a.m.) London, January 29. The “Morning Post,” in a leader entitled “A Happy Embassy,” expresses the opinion that the four months’ tour of the Duke of Gloucester has been richly recompensed. “These expeditions by the King’s sons have a peculiar value since the Empire has grown to full estate and shed the formal bonds joining the units to the Mother Country,” it says.