N.Z’S. NEW GOVERNOR

Gisborne Times, Volume LXI, Issue 9852, 3 November 1924, Page 5

N.Z’S. NEW GOVERNOR

FAREWELL DINNER,

COLONIAL SECRETARY’S LAST SPEECH.

MR. THOMAS REVIEWS GOVERNMENT’S DEFEAT.

SIR, O. FERGUSON IN HUMOROUS VEIN.

United Press Association—Copyright. (Received Nov. 2. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 1.The Hon. J. H. Thomas, Colonial Secretary, speaking at a farewell dinner to Sir Charles Ferguson, Govern-or-General of New Zealand, referred to the result of the election. He declared that the verdict having been given' must be accepted. Not only must the King’s Government be-car-ried on, but whatever political party was in power, the one parniount consideration was the prosperity and well-being of the Empire. When he handed over his office ho was satisfied in his conscience lie had endeavored to discharge the high of the office impartially as regards class and creed, keeping irj mind that the British Cramnonni'Onwealth was held' together not by creed, dogma- and written eonstitUr tion, but by love and the bond of freedom. He deplored the announcementsl in the Press corJvey satisfaction in some Dominions at the defeat of the Government, adding if there was one thing the Dominions resented it was the accusation of party bias. The foolish amd blind people who did not understand that were the real enemies of, and a danger to the . British Commonwealth’. The Dominions insisted that whatever their choice of Government that choice must be accepted by everybody and just as tne Dominions did that for themselves, bo equally must they concede the right to others.

Mr. Thomas concluded wliat he described as his last speech as Colonial Secretary by declaring it was characteristic of tho country that they must be sports. Although- tired, jaded and unwell, he would not have anf outsider say the temporary-political setback prevented him, from being present. Ho took credit (amid laughter and cheers) for making what the speakers declared the best appointment ever made for New Zealand, which was the one redeeming feature of the Government’s career. He emphasised that Britain must send the Dominions the- best men possible irrespective of party or class. Sir James Allen, in proposing the health of the guest recalled the abortive move in New Zealand to mend their own grievances. He added if there was one thing which meant more to New Zealanders than anything else it was association with Mother Country and the other Dominions under one crown and one flag. Sir C'. Fergusscn, responding, said' he had no illusions regarding his temerity in undertaking office and asked for the indulgence of the New Zealanders in having to ‘’learn the ropes.” He feared it might he a case of “a fool rushing in where Admirals feared to tread.’’ He recalled that he left New Zealand almost exactly fifty years ago, while liis wife was* in New Zealand more recently, namely twenty-five years since. He felt- tii at, while his youthful escapades had long passed into oblivion, his wife still had something to. live down!. (Laughter.) He hoped his forty years’ soldiering, would be a service to New Zealand. He wished to be of the fullest service to all services in the Dominion, also in anything appertaining to the training of youth.— A. and N.Z.C.A.