THE NEW GOVERNOR

Hokitika Guardian, 4 November 1924, Page 4

THE NEW GOVERNOR

FAREWELL DINNER, AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABI.K ASSOCIATION, LONDON, November 1. A farewell dinner was tendered Sii Charles Eergusson, Governor-Genera elect of New Zealand, at London.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr J. 11. Thomas) in a speech, referred to the result of the election, and declared that the verdict having been given, it must he accepted. “Not only must the King’s Government he carried on, hut, whatever the political party in power, the only one paramount consideration was the prosperity and wellbeing of the Empire. When lie handed over the seals of office, he would he satisfied in conscience that he had endeavoured to discharge his high nflice impartially as regards class and creed, keeping in mind that tho British Commonwealth was held together, not by any creed or dogma, or written constitution, hut by love and u bond of freedom.” lie deplored the fact that

announcements had appeared in the press, conveying satisfaction in some Dominions at the defeat ol the Government. He added that if there was one i thing that the Dominions resented, it I was this accusation of party bias which was made by foolish, blind people who did not understand that they were real enemies, and were a danger to the British Commonwealth. The Dominions insisted that ulialcvci their own choice of Government, that choice must be accepted, by everybody, and, just as the Dominions demanded that for themselves, so, equally, must they concedi' tin' same right to others. Mr Thomas concluded what be described as | bis last speech as Colonial Secretary, declaring that a characteristic of their country was that they must be sports. Although tired, jaded and unwell, he would not have any outsider say that a temporary political setback had prevented him from being present. He took credit, amid laughter and cheers, for making what the speakers declared to be the bcsL Vice-Regal appointment ever made for New Zaland, which, lie said, was one redeeming feature ol the Government’s career. He emphasised that Britain must send to the Dominions the best men possible, irrespective of party or class. Sir James Allen in proposing the toast of the guest, recalled the abortive move made by New Zealand to select her own Governors. lie added: “ May that, idea long lie dead.” There was one which meant more to New Zealand than anything else, which was association with the Mother Country and other Dominions under one Crown and Hag. Sir Charles Eergusson, responding, said lie lmd no illusion regarding «.his temerity in undertaking office. lie asked lor the indulgence of New £oa--1 amlers in having to learn the ropes. Tie feared it might be a case of a fool rushing in where Admirals feared to tread. lie recalled that ho himself left Now Zealand almost exactly of) years ago, while his wife was in New Zealand more recently, namely 2o years ago. He had since felt that, while his youthful escapades had long passed into oblivion, bis wife still bad something to live down (laughter). He hoped bis forty years of soldiering would be of service to New Zealand. Tie wished to lie of the fullest service to all the services in the Dominion, and also in anything appertaining to the training of tin youth.