"A SPLENDID EXAMPLE"

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 2 August 1929, Page 4

"A SPLENDID EXAMPLE"

TRIBUTE TO THE GOVERNOR* GENERAL The following resolution was carried in the Nelson Synod yesterday:— "The Synod of the Diocese in session assembled, expresses its deep thankfulness to Almighty Cod that a gentleman who has shown the highest principles of life, has lived among' us as GovernorGeneral, and begs to convey to His Excellency' Sir Charles Fergusson and the Lady Alice Fergusson, its sincere appreciation of the splendid example maintained by them during their stay in New Zealand." In moving the foregoing the Rev. D. S. Evans paid a high tribute to the life and work of their Excellencies, their Christian character and ideals. In New Zealand, where both neglect of public worship and lack of fear of God were known, the example of the Governor General was one that might be followed by the Dominion to great spiritual and material advantage. Mr Evans referred to thfl.wonderful speech delivered on Anzac Day by His' Excellency—a speech which was worthy of any clergyman. Ho held before the people a noble ideal, not only by his acts but by his utterances, and those of his lady. In supporting the motion the Rt. Rev. the President said he was not- likely to forget the remarlcablo address His Excellency the Governor-General had delivered upon the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Nelson Cathedral. It was one of the finest utter.ances he (the President) had ever heard in his life from a man in his, the Governor's, position. The Governor-General was an elder of the Presbyterian Church at his home in Scotland, and a confirmed member of tho Church of England, jvhere he had shown himself to be, a dcvoied loyal and faithful member. Whilst he (the President) was staying at Government House the family prayers were taken by His Excellency, when he committed New Zealand and his own household to the care of the Almighty for that day. Would that this example were followed by all his people. Before the motion was put, members of Synod rose and sang the National Anthem.