THE GOVERNOR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 210, 24 January 1913, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR.

AUCKLAND'S WELCOME. THE DARK DAYS OF THE MAOlil WAR. Auckland. January 21. His Excellency tlie Governor, the Earl of Liverpool, was to-day welcomed at a civic function at tlie Town Hall. The Concert Chamber was packed with people. and the Earl and Countess of Liverpool, upon arrival, received s. most enthusiastic reception. A guard of honor was formed by members of the Empire Veterans' Association, and punctually at noon the vice-regal party arrived. After a speech by the Mayor, the town clerk read an address of welcome.

The Earl of Liverpool, on rising to reply, received a great ovation. After thanking the citizens for their splendid welcome, he referred to New Zealand, stating that should difficulties arise to disturb the tranquility of the Empire Sew Zealand would, as in the past, be foremost with ready help. «

"We who come from the Mother Country," he continued, "have watched with pride the immense development which lias taken place in all the commercial, agricultural and pastoral enterprises of this Dominion, and realise what a valuable asset they have become to the Empire. You have, in this address, touched on a personal note. Both the Countess of Liverpool and myself have felt deeply the warm welcome which has been extended to us from, all quarters since our arrival in this Dominion. New Zealand, indeed, has made us understand that 110 one who comes from the Old Country-to her shores need feel a stranger or lonely, and we, on our part, shall do all we can to reciprocate that friendship, and when the time comes for others tc, fill our places we shall be able, from close association with yon. to forward vour interests in the Motherland. The Countess of Liverpool and myself express the earnest hope that this year of grace, 101.1, will prove a vear of unequalled prosperity to this Dominion." Before resuming his seat, his Excellency expressed the pleasure it afforded him to see members of the Empire Veterans' Association present that day. The I'rinie Minister in a brief speech said that he was sure that the people of New Zealand had already made up theii minds that Lord and Lady Liverpool were worthy successors of their distinguished predecessors. As a public' man he could testify to the keen interest Lord Liverpool was taking already in the affairs of the Dominion. Such being the case, it was easy for him to prediet that their Excellencies were indeed going to be popular in New Zealand. (Applause). As the Mayor had stated, his Excellency's father had fought in the dark and stirring days of the Maori War. The day had not arrived for the Imperial Government to allow the people of the colonies to select a Governor from amongst the people whom he was to govern, but in Lord Liverpool they luul a mail whose father had gone through a strennous campaign for his Sovereign and for this country. While those days had passed, there were still very important problems to solve in which the people of this country were intimately concerned, and the experience of Lord Liverpool would be available to the people of New Zealand in this respect. As representative of the people of Dominion as a whole he bade their Excellencies welcome to New Zealand: (Applause). Cheers were then given for the Countess of Liverpool, and her Excellency, who could not speak for some time because of the enthusiasm of her reception, briefly thanked the people of Auckland, for their welcome.

The Governor held o levee at Governmuit House this afternoon. There was a very large attendance. The Prime Minister, the Mayor and General Godley were among those present.