GOVERNOR-GENERAL

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1924, Page 1

GOVERNOR-GENERAL

AV KI,LI X G T() X\S AA' E ECO AIE. WEU.TXGTOX, Deremher 10. The Governor-General was welcomed at a civic reception in the Town Hall to-night. The Mayor Mr li. A. Wright, presided over a packed house. The Mayor said that the Governor(ieneral would lind the people of Xew Zealand loyal to Kino and Kmpire. Ho welcomed him to the capital on behalf of the council and /-if H-n-s. Their E.xccllencies were Scottish and they would find among the Scottish people as well as among the English. Irish and At elsh. many linn friends. Member;. of the F'crgussun family had won distinction for generations past, and Wellington heartily appreciated the action of the King in selecting as his representative one whose family history had lieon so closely associated with the life of the Kmpire. and one whose personal career was so distinguished. lie recalled the fad. that in the Great War the Gov-ernor-General was associated with the Xew Zealand Artillery. ■Sir Francis Bell, representing the Ministry, read a message from Mr Afassev expressing regret at his absence and a hope that, their Excellencies’ stay in Xew Zealand would he pleasant. Since the change from colonies to Dominions the labour and responsibilities of Governors had greatly increased. The appointment of Sir Charles Ecrgusson was welcomed hv the Ministry. After tile wav Sir Charles was in charge of troops in the Cologne area, and before a man was even considered for such a position ho had to he of recognised tact, firmness and sagacity. Afr AVilford. leader of the Opposition and Afr' M. F. i.uckie. senior City Councillor, also extended a welcome. Replying, Sir Charles Ecrgusson returned thanks for the welcome. Tt was a. great pleasure to Daily Ecrgusson and himself to find themselves in a city of which they had such pleasant early recollections. He congratulated AVellinglon on flic progress it had made a progress and expansion nothing short of imu-vellous. He and Daily Forgusson looked forward keenly io becoming acquainted with the city and its people. The reception they got on landing touched them deeply. Tlis office was pne of high honour but great respollsibiltv. He was thinking not so much of the responsibilities of administration ns «r vision and understanding or of bow one co ll hi best pull one’s weight.