VICE-REGAL VISIT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2361, 29 November 1921, Page 3

VICE-REGAL VISIT.

FOXTON’S WELCOME TO THEIR EXCELLENCIES. ..

Yesterday was a red-letter day in the history of Foxton, the occasion being, an official visit by His Excellency the Governor-General and Viscountess Jellicoe. The town was beflagged, and business'premises artistically decorated in honour of the occasion. A temporary platform for the civic reception of their Excellencies was erected at the foot of the Soldiers’ Memorial in the Triangle Reserve, at the north end of Main Street. In the centre of Main Street bunting was stretched across the street. At the school the N.Z. Ensign was flown from the flag pole, and from side to side the signal “Welcome,” and the “Iron Duke,” the GovernorGeneral's late flagship, was designated in correct nautical symbols, the work of Captain Larsen. A glance down the main thoroughfare presented a real gala appearance, and reflected much credit upon those responsible for the gay and artistic display. The weather was perfect, and enabled people from the outside districts to come in and participate in the welcome. From 10 o’clock people began to assemble in Main Street, and. many took up places of vantage near the Triangle. All the business houses closed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Vice-regal party were timed to arrive per motor car from Levin at 11.45, and the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr Edward 'Newman, M.P., Borough Councillors and citizens proceeded in motor cars to receive the Governor-Gen-eral at the entrance to the borough, and escort them to the place of welcome. Owing to the Levin celebrations being a little prolonged, and the somewhat rough road, the distinguished visitors were a little behind time. As the Vice-regal car entered the borough, the Mayor and Mr Newman, M.P., briefly welcomed their Excellencies, and the Mayor’s car led the procession to the place of welcome. The gathering was one of the largest seen locally, and the bright sunshine, together with the varied-coloured dresses of the assemblage, was very striking. The National Anthem was sung, and the Mayor, prior to reading the address of welcome, mentioned that it was 21 years ago since the town had 'keen visited by His Majesty’s representative. The Mayor’s address was as follows: —

“We, the citizens of Foxton and surrounding districts, wish to accord you a hearty welcome. We fully recognise tlie honour confer-' red upon us by your presence as direct representatives of our Gracious Sovereign, His Majesty the King. We wish to assure you of our loyalty and goodwill to our King and Empire, by whose humane and democratic laws we are governed, conscious of the fact that disloyalty, if unchecked, would produce revolution, oppression and misery. To your Excellency, Viscount Jcllicoe, we desire to record our appreciation -of the valuable rendered to His Majesty’s Royal Navy extending over a period of forty-four years.- AVe admire the spirit of determination and perseverance which enabled you to rise step by step from a sailor lad to the distinguished position of Com-mander-in-Chief of the British Fleet. AA'e earnestly hope that your worthy example may inspire the youth of our dominion to similar endeavours, and that should occasion arise, they will be able to defend successfully the ports and shores of our beloved native land. AVe are pleased to state that your Excellencies have already secured the affection of our people through the spirit of good fellowship exhibited not only in the cities, but also by your esteemed visits to the small towns and country settlements. AVe trust that Divine blessing will attend you with the.choicest gifts of good health and happiness, and that the remainder of your term may be marked by an era of peace and prosperity. The Governor-General replied as follows: — “Your Worship and Citizens of Foxton and surrounding district. “I thank you for the expression of loyalty to His Majesty Hie King and to the Empire, to winch you give utterance. I appreciate the reference which you make to the humanity and freedom which axe the characteristics of the. government of our Empire, and which are factors in maintaining the Dominions, now nations in themselves,' in loyalty to the Throne and Laws of their ancestors. Her Excellency and I are truly grateful for the kindly manner in which you have received us to-day, and for the good wishes which yon express, with so much warmth. AVe welcome the opportunity of visiting the smaller as well as the larger communities, for in a country which offers such possibilities of development as does New Zealand, the smaller districts may well become centres of great importance in a few years’" time. I am deeply grateful for your appreciative reference to my career and services in the Royal Navy. I recall with pleasure the fact that many New Zealanders served with me during the war, and displayed the same high spirit and fortitude which animated their comrades of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and has made the name of that Force famous. We believe that this same spirit will carry the country through the period of present difficulty resulting from the war, and we sincerely trust that a time of prosperity will shortly set in, bringing to you health and happipess.” , - -v -

His Excellency.said that no doubt the public had gathered from his reading of the speech that he was suffering from a cold, and on account of this he would cut short his additional remarks in amplification of his reply. First, he would like to express his own and Her Excellency’s pleasure in seeing so many of the inhabitants of this district present at his welcome. This was the first time he had had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful district. He had been told that morning that it was the first time for 21 years that Foxton had been visited by His Majesty’s representative, and he could assure them that it would not be 21 years before His Majesty’s representative again visited Foxton. (Applause.) He again expressed their pleasure at. seeing the people and country, and humorously remarked that wh'en leaving Levin that morning they had been told that it was only 25 minutes run to Foxton through beautiful country and along a.lovely straight road. The countryside was certainly beautiful, but the road could be improved, which latter caused them a little delay in arriving.

At the, call of the Mayor, three rousing cheers were given for their Excellencies, who smilingly acknowledged the heartiness of the welcome.

AT THE SCHOOL.

The Vice-Regal party then proceeded to the School, and were met at the gate by Mr Hornblow (chairman of Committee), and Mr Broad (acting-head master). The boys, who looked smart in their white shirts and blue shorts, formed a guard of honour from the gate to the school entrance. The bugles rang out the salute, which was acknowledged by His Excellency. The children were assembled in class formation, facing the north entrance, and the Committee and staff were assembled in the vestibule. The National Anthem was sung by I he scholars, after which Mr Hornblow welcomed their Excellencies. He said many distinguished visitors had visited the school in the past, but none wex - e more welcome or worthy of honour than his Excellency, not only because his Excellency was the representative of their beloved Sovereign, but because they were afforded an opportunity of paying personal tribute to one who bad taken so great and vital part in the Great War. His Excellency’s visit that day would he treasured in the minds of the boys and girls in the years to come, and would add lustre to the school’s record. The school had uo written word expressive of loyalty to King and Constitution to hand to His Excellency, but the foundation of their school life was “Love to God and loyalty to King and Constitution,” while service and sacrifice had been sealed with the blood of ex-pupils ia the Empire’s cause. To Her Excellency he conveyed a special word id welcome on behalf of the children expressive of their affection and esteem. lie quoted the remark of one little girl, who said that she loved the Viscountess best of all because she was a “mother.” (Applause.) He thanked their Excellencies for the honour conferred upon the school by their visit, and presented little Miss Madge McColl, who charmingly presented Her Excellency with a bouquet of sweet peas, which Her Excellency feelingly and graciously acknowledged. Miss Katie Roore presented His Excellency with a buttonhole, which was also feelingly acknowledged. Tn addressing the children, His Excellency said lie was sorry that lie bad such a cold, as lie would not be able to give them the long speech lie had prepared for their benefit. No doubt the children would be “jolly glad.” (Laughter.) Whether his voice held out or not, be was going lo express his great pleasure in seeing so many happy-looking children present. He hoped that they would live very happy lives, as they had every elianee of doing in this glorious country. That they would continue to be loyal and devoted, and to carry on with that spirit which animated their forefathers in the past. He hoped that they would work hard and emulate their forefathers’ who, through strenuous work and enterprise, had made this Empire what it was to-day. He was sure that, they would all recognise this fact, and carry on in a similar manner. He concluded a happy speech by expressing a wish that, the school should be given a holiday on the first possible occasion, in honour of the occasion, which statement was greeted by hearty applause. The Chairman called for three hearty cheers for their Excellencies, which wei - e given with gusto. Owing to pressure of time, their Excellencies were unable to visit the class-rooms. The staff and Committee were then presented to their Excellencies.

THE LUNCHEON

The Vice-Regal party were entertained at luncheon at Whyte’s. Hotel by the Mayor and Council. The dining-room was most tastefully arranged, and the luncheon and carrying out of same by Mr and Mrs Kirkland is worthy of special commendation. A special taX>le was arranged for their Excellencies, their aide-de-camp, and private secretary, Mr Ed. Newman, M.P., the Mayor and Mayoress. Other guests present were: Crs. Thompson, Bryant, Smith, Walker, Alex. Ross, and their wives, Cr. Geo. Coley, Rev. and'Mrs AValton, Mr and Mrs Hornblow, Mr and Mrs Trueman. The Mayor presided, and after the loyal toast had been honoured, proposed. the toast of the guest and Royal Navy. In doing so, the Mayor said be deeply appreciated the

visit, and hoped it would not be long ere there was another. He humorously referred to the fact that Monday" was the ladies’, washing day. Mr Ed. Newman endorsed the Mayor’s remarks, and said he was pleased his Excellency had visited the district. All the hopes of Foxton centred in the Manawatu river. Absonant Jellicoe would have been interested to go in a, launch, and see for himself the many difficulties which they hoped to overcome. At the mouth of the river there was a very beautiful holiday resort, nnd he hoped (heir Excellencies would come for a stay and enjoy the good fishing there. He wished them a continuance of happiness during the remainder of their term here.

In reply, Viscount Jellicoe said he appreciated the sentiment, and would like to say that the men of the Royal Navy and the mercantile marine appreciated the action of the New Zealand woolgrowers in helping to make provision for-the dependants of the sailors killed.in the service of their country. This was appreciated all the more because the woolgrowers were passing through very hard times. At the conclusion of the luncheon, at the request of the Mayor, a verse of “Auld Lang Syne” was sung. OPENING OF ALL SAINTS’ BAZAAR.

Their Excellencies were then motored to the Town Hall to open All Saints’ Bazaar. The party were received by the Rev. Mr AAbilton on the stage, and speeches of welcome were tendered by the vicar and the Rev. Mr Halliday (Presbyterian), on behalf of the churches. Miss Dorothy Moorhouse, attired in a charming butterfly costume, presented a beautiful bouquet to Her Excellency, and Master Kelvin Green, attired in full navy costume, asked Ilis Excellency’s acceptance of a miniature bale of hemp. His Excellency suitably acknowledged the welcome, and expressed bis pleasure in opening the bazaar, and referred to the church’s activity and usefulness. He was delighted to see the splendid display of battleships, and ladies in full sailor kit. Mrs A. S. Easton, president of All Saints Ladies’ Guild, thanked their Excellencies on beluilf of the Guild, to which the Viscountess suitably replied. After inspecting the various stalls, the arrangement of which reflected the greatest credit upon those responsible, the Gover-nor-General and Party proceeded to Rongotea by motor car.