THEIR EXCELLENCIES FAREWELLED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4413, 11 February 1930, Page 4

THEIR EXCELLENCIES FAREWELLED.

Spontaneous enthusiasm tempered ■w’ith regret at t-hoir approaching departure prevailed at llie 'l own Hall, Wellington, last Thursday night, when a representative 'gathering of Wellington citizens bade farewell to Their Excellencies the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fcrgusson) and Lady Alice Fergusson. The hall was crowded. A guard of honour of Boy Scouts, Sea 'Scouts, and Girl Guides was formed along the aisle as Their Excellencies and suite entered amidst applause, and all present stood as the first two lines of the National Anthem pealed out on the grand organ. -The Mayor (Mr. G.

A. Troup) presided. An album was presented by the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup) to His Excellency and a great bouquet of Now Zealand berries and foliage from nearly all the great national parks was presented to Her Excellency, emblematic of (he great interest she has always shown in our native flora, and fauna, tally 20 O'O people were present and cheered Their Excellencies to the echo. His Excellency replied with great feeling, touching on various subjects which had been near to his heart. HAPPY MEMORIES. “The expressions which you have used in referring to our stay among you,” Sir Charles said, “are generous beyond words and touch us very deeply. The renewed assurance of that; loyalty to the King’s throne . and person which you express in your Address, I shall he happy to convey to His Majesty. (Applause). We thauik you cordially for this testimony of your kindly feeling towards us, and in ihiddig you farewell we assure you that we shall ever retain the happiest memories of Wellington, and of people, pakelia and Maori alike, who have honoured us with their friendship and their confidence.”

INDULGENCE AND SYMPATHY.

It was very difficult to realise that live years ago they were in the Wellington Town Hall, soon after their arrival, asking of the citizens their indulgence and sympathy to help them in their task. That indulgence and sympathy the people of Wellington had never failed to give in most generous measure. The people had made them feel at, home amongst them, and had extended that sympathy which made things so easy and so pleasant in life. They remembered that not long after their arrival their daughter was married in Wellington, and they would never forget the kindness that was lavished on them on that occasion.

“We have gone on from one happy year to another,” said Sir Charles. “We have gone on without one jarring- note, without one unkind criticism or word being- spoiken, and the result is that these live years have been year's of unalloyed happiness. (Applause). We have always loved Wellington because we iboth grew up here as children. .We remember the days, or, at least, Her Excellency does, when she marie life hideous by cracking .stockwhips, and 1 made file hideous for the policeman at Government House gaje by catapulting him. (Laughter). In the last live years we have given up these childish practices— (laughter)— but we have grown to love Wellington even more and more. (Applause). We‘have seen in the last live years the most wonderful development in Wellington.

“I would like to make- this reflection. When I left Hew Zealand fifty-six years ago we left; in a sailing ship —a big ship in those days, something- about Toll tons — and we left on a voyage of nearly four months. The day after tomorrow we -sail in a motorship, of 17,000 tons, for a voyage which takes little more than as many weeks as it took months before. Last time when Her Exeelleey left she left, in tears, but this time she leaves in a dress of Hew Zealand cloth. (Laughter and applause). Although I am quite sure the tears will still be there, they may, perhaps, be a little mitigated by the pleasure with which she will regard that dross.” (Laugher). In conclusion, His Excellency again expressed haniks for the cordial farewell tendered them, and voiced their sorrow at leaving Hew Zealand . Lie said they had been happy amongst the people, _ and were really sorry to go. “We shall take away the happiest memories,” lie said, “of Aotea, .Ron,” the Land of the Long White Cloud, and yoxi who have been our friends.” (Applause). jv