THE GOVERNORGENERAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1919, Page 4

THE GOVERNORGENERAL.

A STATE INVESTITURE-

There was a large gathering in the old Provincial Council Chambers, Christchurch, when his Excellency the Governor-General held a ceremony of investiture. The guard ot honour was provided by the Christ’s College Cadets, under Captain Farthing. His Excellency, who was accompanied by the Countess of Eiverpool, A.D.C.’s Captain H. G. Garland, M.C., and Limits li. Plelmore, M.8.E., and E. Miilton, and his secretary, Mr Gavin Hamilton, inspected the

guard. Tlie ceremony was brief. Sir Joseph J. Kinsey was presented with his letters patent of Knighthood, and then Colonel R. A. Chal’fey was invested witli his Order oi Com • mander of the Order oi the British Empire. Crosses of the 4th class (officers of the Order) were presented to Mrs J. A. Beau (Christchurch), Mrs E. A. Hiil (Christchurch), Mrs G. Rhodes (Christchurch), Mrs G. A. M. Wood (Christchurch), Mr G. Harper (Christchurch), and Mr J. A. Fleslier (Christchurch). Crosses of tlie sth class .(Members of the Order) were presented to Mrs T. Bethel 1 (Pahau Pastures), Mrs E. Chilton (Christchurch), Mrs M. Galbraith (Ashburton), Mrs M. I. Giimmond (Ross), Mrs M. Raymond (Tiniaru), Mrs M. E. R. Smith (Christchurch), and Miss C. M. Morris (Timaru).

Eieut G. B. Gerard was presented with tlie Military Cross, which he had won for gallantry in the field of battle. Lieut Gerard, when the troops under his command were held up by heavy German machine gun fire, went out at night with-a small party of bombers, and then, after locating a German machine gun and. crew, he went forward alone, and, armed with bombs and revolver, lie silenced the crew of the machine-gun which was holding up the advance. Sister A. J. Mackay was vested with tlie Royal Red Cross (second class).

Among those present were his Worship the Mayor (Dr 11. T. J. Thacker, M.P.), and after his Excellency had left the doctor called for three cheers for Lieut Gerard, which were heartily given.