NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1924, Page 2

NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL

ABIUVAL AT WELLINGTON. [BY TELEGRAPH —I’ER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Dec. 13. Sir Charles anti Lady Alice Ferguson landed at Wellington at 10 o’clock today. The weather, unfortunately, was dull, but a break came opportunely, and their Excellencies were visited on the Buahine by the administrator, Sir Robert Stout, the Prime Minister, and Military and Navy officials. They were welcomed on landing by the Chairman of the Harbour Board. Mr G. Mitchell, and a great number of citizens. At the wharf gates they were again hid welcome by the Mayor, Mr It. A. Wright, and Councillors. Sir Charles Fcrgusson expressed their great pleasure on returning to A\elliiigloii. which both knew very well. He remembered every inch of the town and harbour, though it was 50 years since he last visited here. Lady Fergusson knew Wellington well from a visit of 25 vears ago. They wore heartily cheered. The swearing in ceremony took place in the afternoon. After the. arrival of the GovernorGeneral, Sir Charles Fcrgusson. and the reception -by the Harbour Hoard, and the Council, the weather conditions improved during the dav. hut there were intermittent showers and a high wind, which to a large extent, spoiled the spectacle for tin* public. At the swearing-in ceremony at Parliamentary Buildings, tin* ceremony was conducted in the Legislative Council chamber at 3 o’clock. At 2.-15 p.m. their Excellencies and party left the Government House for Parliamentary Buildings, accompanied hv a police escort. The troop-S of the Wellington Garrison lined all the anjironches to the bindings, and portion of Lambton Quay. Bluejackets from the two warships in port. 11.M.K. Dunedin and 11.M.5. Veronica, were stationed in Molesworth St... near the foot of the steps to the entrance to Parliament Buildings.

A guard of honour, consisting ol III!) men and three officers Imm the First Battalion. Wellington Regiment., under the cnminani! of Captain Erie Reeves. M.C.. was drawn up. and the Uirst Battalion Band was in attendance.

The Prime Minister (lit lion \\ ."* I*. Massey) and members of the Ministry wen* nroseut and the ollicial party included the Administrator of the Government and Chief Justice (Sir Hubert Stout) : the general ofiioer commanding the New Zealand Military Forces (Major-General C. IV. Melville): the Commodore ot the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy (Commodore A. Beal) and naval and military stall’s.

There were also present Judges of tlii' Sunrenie Court. Magistrates. Members of the Legislature, beads of departments and prominent citizens. Owing to the inclement weather, the actual swearing-in ceremony had to he carried out in the Legislative Council Chamber, but the lounge was also used to accommodate the invitation holders, and the members of the general public. On arrival at Parliament Buildings. Muior-General Sir Charles FergussoM. accompanied by Major-General Melville inspected the guard of honour, and then nroeeeded to the Legislative Council Chamber. The oath of office was administered by the Chief Justice, following which a salute of nineteen irons was fired by A. Battery of the Royal Xew Zealand Artillery, at Tliorudou reclamation. Before the eeremonv 'concluded the Prime Minister welcomed Their Excellencies on behalf of the people of the Dominion, and Sir Charles beigussoa replied.