GOVERNOR-GENERAL VISITS SHANNON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3528, 24 August 1926, Page 3

GOVERNOR-GENERAL VISITS SHANNON.

4 —; LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF MASONIC TEMPLE. The foundation stone of the new Masonic Temple at Shannon was laid by the M.WI the Grand Master, Sir Charles Fergusson, assisted by Grand Lodge officers on Saturday afternoon. Prior to the ceremony His Excellency the Governor-General was met at the railway station by theMayor (Mr. E. Butt) and members of the Borough Council, officers of Lodge Mangahao, Mr. A. E. Hyde, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. R. L. Tippler, chairman of the School Committee. A number of school children were also present in charge of their masters, Messrs. White and Morgan. The Mayor, in welcoming His Excellency, assured. him that although the visit was not an official one, it lost nothing in cordiality, reminding him that he was the first Governor-General to visit the town. “Another visit at some future date is hoped from you,” added the Mayor. “for in Shannon we have many places of interest to show you.” He asked His Excellency to convey to Lady Fergusesoh the respectful wishes of the Shannon people, with the hope that she would be able to accompany him on a probable future visit. His Excellency in returning thanks, said he was grateful for the sincere welcome accorded him. He hoped soon to pay an official visit to the town, and that he would be accompanied by Her ESxeellenicy. Addressing the children he said that -when he was ten years old he lived in New Zealand. He did not think Shannon was in existtenee in those days. Palmerston North even was just beginning. Most of this port of the country at that time was in scrub and bush. After a period of fifty years’ absence he had returned to find a wonderful country. “A country made by your fathers and-mothers, and I want you to remember that.” He asked them to try' and always do their best for N.Z. Referring to his recent visit to Samoa, whose people, he said, were cousins to the Maoris, lie had noticed that each child wore a star with five points. If you asked any of them what the star meant, they would reply as follows: King; (3), duty to my countryj (4), duty to my neighbour; (5), duty to myself. When they go to school or attend big gatherings, they say the five points, their maxim always being: “Samoa is a good country; I am going to make it better.” He hoped the children present would remember this lesson. Always remember what your father and mother have done for you. We can all do something, and it is for you to do something to help. Tho children then repeated the five points, at the conclusion of which His Excellency said that if they lived up to that spirit the country would be better for it.