HIS EXCELLENCY

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 13, 9 April 1952, Page 4

HIS EXCELLENCY

The announcement of the impending departure of His Excellency Lord Freyberg from New Zealand will have been received with general regret throughout the Dominion. His term of office as Governor-General, now about to expire, has been marked with distinction. With Lady Freyberg, His Excellency has devoted himself unsparingly to the discharge of the duties of his high office. They have shown a sincere and keen interest in the activities and welfare of the New Zealand people of all classes, and the contacts they have made everywhere will be pleasant memories for all of us.

In more senses than one, Lord Freyberg's link with the Dominion is an especially personal and intimate one. As we all know, he was born in New Zealand, and schooled in Wellington, where he was known as "Tiny." He was closely and actively associated with his native country in the two great world wars. In the tirst he won his spurs, and was marked by destiny for a distinguished military career. Appointed to command the Second N.Z.E.F. in the late war, he justified the selection by his wise leadership and skilful generalship. As a New Zealander born and bred, he knew the temper and qualities of his countrymen who served under him, and got the best out of them, as their record in the fighting has amply demonstrated. His Excellency is no stranger to Taupo and he has been a frequeni visitor on his fishing holidays. These stricdy non-official occasions have been enjoyed in weil-earned leisure and privacy which Taupo has respected. On what may be his last visit here, His Excellency was in Taupo last week. We take this opportunity on behalf of the people of the Taupo Country, of extending our best wishes to their Excellencies for the - full enjoyment of health and happiness in their well-earned retirement.