GOVERNOR GENERAL’S VISIT

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1929, Page 3

GOVERNOR GENERAL’S VISIT

TOUR OF AFFECTED AREAS. ’( GREYMOUTH, July 19. Perfect weather greeted the Gover-nor-General, Sir Charles Fcrgimsoli, and : Lady Alice Fcrgusson on Wednesday as their special train emerged froni the Otira tunnel on to the West Coast, and they commenced a brief tour of the districts affected by the earthquakes.

Under the circumstances , as the Viecßegal tour is being made to gain first hand knowledge of the earthquakes- and their effects the opinion was expressed by more than one citizen that a ’quake would be a fitting mode of reception. Mature duly iwto the occasion and a tremor occurred at 1.45 p.in., juit after their Excellencies had reached Greynlouth. ]i. was of a minor nature, however, ami was ;not generally noticed. Their Excellencies were informally welcomed at the station by the .Mayor (Mr J. W. Greenslade) who was accompanied by the town clerk i.Mr E. H. Denton), members of the Uorough Council, Mr T. A. Johnson, of tho Public Works Department, and other citizens. The Vice-Regal visitors who had lunched on the train were taken on a motor tour of the town, and they also visited the Grey Hospital and the Old People’s Home, afternoon tea being taken at the residence of the Mayor and Mayoress. Their Excellencies were tendered a public welcome in the evening and yesterday morning left for Eeefton.

The Governor-General and Lady Alice "Fergusson arrived at Westport from Greymouth at 5 p.m. yesterday. To-day they make a tour of Westport, inspecting properties damaged by the earthquake, including the primary and technicals, the ho'rmtal, Old People’s Home, St. Mary’s Convent, and the O’Oonnor Home. Saturday will be spent in a tour of the mining townships including Reddonville. Just on the arrival of their Excellencies yesterday. Westport staged a big sustained shake. Minor tremors were experienced throughout the dav yesterday.