THE DUKE OF YORK.

North Otago Times, Volume CVII, Issue 17165, 23 March 1927, Page 5

THE DUKE OF YORK.

Press ABsociation.T

' v A MESSAGE OF FAREWELL".

' f Per

INVERCARGILL, Last Night. The Duke in a farew'ell message referred to the wonderful time they had had in New Zealand for which it was difficult to find adequa'te words. He was e&pecially indebted to their Excellencies for their kindness and hospitality. He also expressed gratitude to the Premier and Dominion Government for the ^Jbnerous hospitality, care and consideration with which Minisfoers had planned and arranged the tour. He referred especiaRy to the services rendered by the Railway, Post Office, Transport and Police Departments, the trouble taken hy the Mayors and local authorities, the wohderful en.thusiasm with which they were -greefed by both races, and the Iqyalty which characterised the people of New Zealand. His Royal Highness also thankied the Press for the consideration and courtesj' displayed at all iimes. It had been a bitter disap-poiP-tment tio the Duchess and himself that she was unable to accompany him on the South Island tour. He trusted that on some future occasion the Duch- I ess would be able to visit with | him the districts they were'un- | able to visit now. So long ar. | they lived they would always; carry with thern the happiest memories of the visit; of the j deep-rooted loyalty of the * I ) people: of the striking likeness of the country to the Home land in its natural characteristics and devotion to the same ideals; ! of the natural resources and j potentialities of the agri- ' cultura^ and commercial indus- | tries; of the beauty and variety j and the scenery and the oppor- j tunities for sport of all Icinds; , of the interesting Maori life | and customs, and the harmoniou& relations existing between ! the two races; and, most vivid j of all, the smiling faces and sturdiness of the children who everywhere greeted them in thousands. "Once more," he concluded, "we thank you all from the_ bottorn of our hearts ; and send New Zealand, its Gov- j ernment, and its people, our . best wishes for their continued | welfare and prosperity." 4 . j The Governor-General, in reply, thanked his- Royal Highness for his most gracious letter 1 which would go to the hearts I of all who read it. He referred *| also to the personal affection j which their Royal Highnesses j Had inspired, and on behalf of the Government and the people | of New Zealand wished their j Royal Highnesses all health and s-uccess during the remainder of the tour and all happiness in their -return Home on its conclusion. i