Changing Governors.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 144, 22 June 1904, Page 4

Changing Governors.

IKPARTURE OF LORD RANFIRLY. ARRIVAL AND SWEARING IN OF LORD PLINKET, (Per Press A:-socialion.) V>ELLINGTON, June 20. The volunteers and friendly societies mustered in strong force for the ceremony in connection with the departure of Lord Ranfurly. Troops lined the streets to the wharf, and despite showery weather there was a good attendance of the public in tho main thoroughfares. j Lord Ranfurly, accompanied by a 1 mounted escort from the lleretaungu Mounted Uilles, reached the dais which had Kvu erected in front of the General Post Ollice shortly after eleven o'clock. Here he was received by a large and representative gathering. including the Premier and members of the Ministry, the Mayor and City Councillors, and military and naval heads. The Permanent Artillery furnished a guard of honour, and the Garrison Band played the National Anthem as Lord Ranfurly alighted from his carriage. Mr John Palmer, Town Clerk, read the farewell address, signed by the Mayor and Councillors on behalf of the citizens of Wellington, expressing their high appreciation of the many and varied services Lord Ranfurly had rendered to the city and colony during his term of oflice. Mr Seddon, who showed no traces of his recent illness, made a brief speech and spoke with all his old vigour. He said it was depressing lo say farewell to the most popular Governor that had ever represented his Sovereign in the colony. Lord Ranfurly had proved himself a worthy and faithful servant of the Crown, and a good friend to" the colony. When the history of New Zealand came to be written golden pagvs would be devoted to the events that had occurred during Lord Ranfurly's residence among them. Mr Seddon briefly referred to the advancement commercially, politically and socially, that had taken place during the last seven years, and to the cordial relationship that had always obtained between Lord Ranfurly and his advisers. During his visits to q/ll parts oi' the country he_ had always held the scales evenly balanced between the political parties, and all joined in paying deference to him and assuring him that he carried away with him the confidence of all. lie felt sure that no effort would be spared in future by Lord and Lady Ranfurly to advance the interests of New Zealand. Mr Seddon remarked that if Lord Ranfurly should be called to the high position of Governor-General of Australia it would mean a great deal to this colony, and would tend to bring the Commonwealth closer to us. On behalf of the colony he wished Lord Ranfurly a safe and pleasant voyage home, and every "Kia Ora." Lord Ranfifrly, in replying, said ho felt deeply moved by Mr Seddon's remarks. He had done his best, and it was nice to feel that that -best was appreciated. He felt his departure in no inconsiderable degree. He also thanked tho city tor its address, ft had been his desire to intensify the love between this colony and the I Mother Country, and he had ever striven to promote the welfare of the inhabitants of these beautiful islands. That, he considered, could be done by visiting every part of the colony, and these journeying?) had resulted in the establishment of the Veterans' Home. After a brief allusion to his scheme for historical lectures, Lord Ranfurly thanked the [>eople for the kindness and courtesy which tl.ey had at all times extended to him. The experience he had obtained would be freely used for the advancement and prosperity of the colony when he reached the Old Country. It was with feelings of real sorrow that he left New Zealand.

At the call of Mr Seddon three cheers were given for Lord Ranfurly, who then drove to the wharf, which was lined with volunteers. The Governor embarked punctually to time, and the Hinemoa moved off amid cheers and to the strains of the National Anthem -and Auld Lang Syne. The Ministers accompanied Lord Ranfurly to meet. Lord Plunket, who lunched with the retiring Governor on board the Hinemoa. Owing to the weather the marine procession that was to have formed a feature of the proceedings was practically abandoned, only three or four steamers escorting the Hinemoa and these with very few passengers. : RECEPTION OP LOUD PLI XKET. Lord Plunket and party boardfd the Hinemoa in Kuraka Hoy, and had luncheon with Lord Ranfurly. The official landing at ILSJO was delayed a few minutes* by a heavy downpour of rain. On stepping off the gangway Lord and Lady Plunket and party were met by the Premier and his colleagues. Mr .Seddon briefly welcomed them. Lord Plunket. in reply, thanked the Premier for his warm words of welcome and for his loyal sentiments towards the King. The party then moved off to a dais in the Post Office square, where Lord • Plunket was accorded a heart reception. Addresses of welcome were presents! iron, the citizens of Wellington, friendly societies, ai.d the Salvation Army. Replying to the citizens' address. Lord Plunket said that the unfailing loyalty of this colony to the Throne and the devotion of its inhabitants to the best interests of the Empire, which have been so conspicuously demonstrated during recent years, are ; well-known throughout the world. The swearing-in ceremony took place in front of tho Parliamentary iiuildings. The oaths were administered by Mr Justice Williams', who was attended by Mr Justice Chapman. After taking the oath Lord Plunket said that before he left Ireland to come to this beautiful country his Majesty the King, who was then engaged in a tour of Ireland, asked him graciously to convey his appreciation of the loyally of the people of Xew Zealand and his deep and abiding interest in their welfare and prosperity. The city was illuminated at night.