DISTINGUISHED CALLERS

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 326, 6 January 1937, Page 4

DISTINGUISHED CALLERS

: VISITORS’ BOOK SIGNED. ! Famous Names In Borough Council’s Register. II “Edward P” and the inscription “H.R.H. Edward Prince of Wales graciously signed this book on We ; occasion of his visit to Stratford — | May 3rd, 1920—■” appears on the. first i page of the visitor’s book lodgted in ’ the Mayor’s room at, the municipal i buildings, i It is a slight leather-bound volume with the Borough Arms embossed in gold on the front cover and contains relatively few names. But the autographs of famous personages Who have played a great, part in the affairs of the Empire have a fascination for one beholding them in their simplicity. Does not “Lionel Halsey” who was in attendance on the Prince at the time of his visit to Stratford recall stories of famous naval exploits that are now history. | Next to command attention in the i book are the signatures, “Albert” j and “Elizabeth” the present King • and Queen, who as the Duke and I Duchess of York came to Stratford > on March 3, 1927. ' The visits of former Governor- ' Generals of New Zealand are also reI corded. Lord and Lady Jeilicoe came ' in 1920, Sir Charles and Lady Alice i Fergusson in 1928, being follotwed by [ Lord and Lady Bledisloe. As recent- ■ ly as December, 1935 their Exccilli encles Lord and Lady Galway paid a visit to the town. Past Prime Ministers since the regime of the late Mr W. F. Massey, past, and present Cabinet Ministers, and prominent civil servants, have signed the book. The church is represented by Rev D. Dutton, Moderator, General Assembly. Presbyterian Church in 1922, the Army by General Sir AndreM’ Russell and General Sir Alexander Godley, and the mercantile marine by Captain W. H. Hartiman. marine superintendent, Shaw Savi.il and Albion Company, and Captain W„ G. Summers, R M.S. Akaroa.

Samuel R. Whitley. Reading. England, A. V. Allan, Mopo, Natal, D. W. Warner, Canada and William Ley, Victoria, members of the Empire Farmers’ Delegation came in 1930. Another prominent overseas visitor was Thomas Baxter, of the National Farmers’ Union of England and Wales, his visit being made in 1933. Major Miller, conductor of the Grenadier Guards Band, will be remembered. by many who saw the band at Stratford. In 1936 only three people signed the book. They were, Colonel J. L. Sleeman, chief commissioner St. John Ambulance Brigade overseas, Mr D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Railways, and last but not leas?, "J.; E. Lovelock, London.”