LORD ISLINGTON.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 76, 22 November 1912, Page 3

LORD ISLINGTON.

PR ESENTATION CER EM ON V

(Per Press Association.) Wellington, November 21. Lord Islington, a.s patron of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, has bar:' p:vsr:: • eel by the council of the institute with an illuminated address. In aehrm.vkdging the gift, His Excellency fir. id that he was especially glad his efforts in two important matters affecting the welfare of the Dominion had found such a pleasing response. He had specially interested himself in two questions—the development of agriculture and the improvement of civic life. - . This afternoon a joint presentation by various women’s institutions was jnadc to Lady Islington. It took the form of an illuminated address hound in New Zealand woods. WELLINGTON’S FAREWELL. Over 3000 people attended a farewell meeting in the Town Hall this evening to Lord and Lady Islington. The Mayor (Mr I). McLaren) presided, and paid a graceful tribute to their Excellencies saying that they had “stolen their way into our hearts and made themselves masters of our affections.” Though their stay had been short they had interested themselves at every stage in conserving and advancing the institutions, aspirations and needs of the people. . He recognised the high . capacity of Lord Islington in civic government, and appreciated the. great interest he had taken in all plumes of New Zealand public life. , In many, respects lie was a director and adviser whom it would he impossible to replace. His speeches had embodied sound Imperialism, free from cant, which led New Zealanders to extend the hand of friendship to other portions of the Empire. Lady Islington also by her interest in the welfare of

the women and children, had endeared herself to every'true-hearted woman and spirited man.' They had each been true representatives of his Majesty and true helpers and guides in the destinies of the country. He was sure that his life in future would ever be a movement upward in the interests of Imperial oneness. The Minister for Internal Affairs, the Hon. H. 1). Bell, on behalf of the Government and country wished their Excellencies a tender and grateful farewell. Appreciations .were also given by Mr It. Fletcher (who said thta Lord Islington was the best Governor Now Zealand ever had), Mr T. M. Wilford, M.P. (who declared that their Excellencies had “made' goad”) and Mr James Trevor. Lord Islington heartily thanked the audience for their expressions of loyalty and! personal regard. His ideals-had been ,to promote national power and Imperial unity. As Governor I ,die had eiUldavoured to assist the progress of the in every stage. ;. LfTq emphasised' the importance of agricultural development for tin’s country. It was its very blood and fnjijwn',..,, .needed, and a- wise immigration policy should be prosecuted. Population and development were guarantees of national security. f Havingpresided over three Governments he desired to express the.pleasure with which he had worked with each. ; ' He had been interested in the establishment of the defence system, and believed that if it secured the hearty co-operation of the people it would ho a great protection to the country and a source of great moral good. The naval problem required to be faced in future, but however it , was decided, he was sure it would he in the direction of full cooperation with other portions of the Empire and the Homeland, In conclusion he heartily thanked one and all for the courtesy and co-operation extended to him during his stay. Lady Islington also craved a feuwords of thanks. * She hoped the New Zealanders would not. lose tin* qualities of respect and veneration for what was old, good, and beautiful. The great heartiness characterised the gathering, which concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.