NEW ZEALAND’S PROGRESS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2762, 24 July 1924, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND’S PROGRESS.

LORD JELLTCOE IMPRESSED.

Wellington, July 22.

The Governor-General at the opening of the annual conference of the Dominion Farmers’ Union to-day first paid tribute lo the memory of the late Sir Walter Buchanan, who, lie said, was one of whom the Dominion should he proud, as well it might, for he had in him all those qualities so typical of the early pioneers who had made New Zealand what it was to-day. His Excellency said one of the things which had struck him most during his time in New Zealand had been the pi'ogress of the Dominion. It was quite natural that anyone who loved New Zeal a fid as he did should feel intense pleasure to think the Dominion was going ahead. He was very much struck by the progress made during the ten years preceding 1923. The figures showed there bad been very remarkable progress indeed. Trade had increased by 83 per cent, and lasi year was a record in that respect. Exports had increased by 93 per cent., frozen meat in volume 37 per cent, wool by 71 per cent., butter in volume 19fi per rent, cheese 101 per cent, while the population had increased by 20 per cent. The swamp area reclaimed had increased during those ten years by 474 per cent. Viscount Jellicoe alluded to the drift of population to the towns and remarked that there could be no question that the country was much more healthier and a better place to live and bring up a family. In regard to inducing immigrants of the right stamp to come to New Zealand lie gave them his assurance that on his return to England lie would do all he could foY this Dominion. Reference was made by His Excellency to the opening of Flock House for the sons of members of the nnyv and mercantile marine who lost their lives during the war, and spoke in terms of the highest praise of the arrangements made at Flock House and promised that he would give an assurance to the mothers or guardians of youths entitled to the benefit of the institution that they would*be well eared for. When lie left New Zealand he would leave behind him a. great part of his heart as would his family. He concluded bv wishing those present “Good-bye, God speed.”