FAREWELL TO NEW ZEALAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3617, 24 March 1927, Page 2

FAREWELL TO NEW ZEALAND.

DUKE AND DUCHESS SAIL FOR AUSTRALIA. DUKE’S MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE. Invercargill, March 22. 6 The New Zealand tour of the Duke and Duchess of York has come to an end. The final stage of the Duke’s South Island tour commenced at Queenstown on Tuesday morning and ended at Bluff at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, when His Royal Highness, in a heavy rainstorm, embarked on the tug Teresa Ward to transfer just before 6 o’clock to 11.M.5. Renown, lying in the roadstead. Immediately after the battle cruiser with the Duke and Duchess aboard, sailed for Australia. Following is the Duke of York’s farewell message handed His Excellency the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) on the eve of His Royal Highness’s departure from Bluff: — My Dear Governor-General. — The time has come when, to the very great regret of the Duchess and myself, we must say “goodbye” to New Zealand. We have had a wonderful time, and it is difficult to find words in which adequately to express, our thanks to all those who have contributed to the comfort and enjoyment. of ourselves and staff. To yourself personally, and to Her Excellency, we tire greatly indebted for your kindness and hospitality. Our deep gratitude is also due to the Prime Minister and to the Dominion Government for their most generous hospitality, and for the great care and consideration with which they planned and arranged the whole of our tour. When all the Government services have dono so much for us it is difficult to single out any for special mention, but I • should like to place on record my keen appreciation of the services rendered by the railway, post office, transport, and police departments.' We are deeply sensible of the trouble taken and preparations made by the Mayors and other local authorities in connection with oui reception at every place where we have stopped. The wonderful enthusiasm and warm-hearted welcome with which we have everywhere been greeted by the members• of both races have greatly moved us. It was made plain .on every occasion that that enthusiasm sprang from the spirit of intense loyalty which characterises the people of New Zealand.. It was the same spirit which animated those men and women who served in the Great War, so many of whom we have had the good fortune to meet during our tour. I desire also to take this oppor- - tunity to thank the representatives of the New Zealand Press for the consideration and courtesy which they displayed at all times. It was a most bitter disappointment to the Duchess and myself that she was unable to acieompany me on the South Island tour. I trust that on some future occasion she may bo able to visit with me those districts * which she was unfortunately prevented from visiting this time. So long as we live we shall always carry with us the happiest memories of our visit to New Zealand; of the deep-rooted loyalty of its people to King aud Empire; of the striking likeness of the country to Home in its natural characteristics and devotion to the same ideals ' of the natural resources of the Dominion and the great potentialities of its agricultural and commercial industries, some of which I was so glad to visit; of the beauty of its scenery and the magnificent opportunities for sport of all kinds j of the interesting Maori life and customs and of the harmonious relations existing between the two races, and —one of the most vivid memories of all —the smiling faces and sturdiness of the children who everywhere greeted us in their thousands. Once more we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, and send New Zealand, its Government, and its people our best wishes for their continued welfare aud a prosperity.—l am, yours very sincerely, rj ALBERT. To this the Governor-General replied as follows : “His Royal Highness the Duke of York, —1 have the honour with my , humble duty to acknowledge and to thank your Royal Highness for your most gracious letter, which wilt go to Lire hearts of all who read it. No greater pleasure can be given to the people of New Zealand than the assurance that your Royal Highnesses have enjoyed the tour through the Dominion, aud have realised the depth aud sincerity of the loyalty of its people; and, I would, add, the personal affection which Your Royal Highnesses have inspired. On behalf of the Government and the people of New Zealand, I wish Your Royal Highness.es all health and success during the remainder of the tour, aud all happiness in your return Home on its conclusion. (Signed) CHARLES FERGUSSON, Governor-General.