NEW GOVERNOR.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 June 1920, Page 5

NEW GOVERNOR.

AUSTRALIAN APPOINTMENT. SKETCH OF LOED FORSTER. By Telccraph.—Press Asan—Copjritht. London, Juno 14. Lord Forster, the new GovernorGeneral of Australia, is a keen golfer, his handicap is plus 2. He is an ardent yachtsman, and hopes to indulge in .yachting in Australia, especially in Sydney harbor, which he longs to see. He has had a champion boat in every class. He has always sailed his own boat, and intends to purchase one in Australia. He is an enthusiastic hunter, and considered one of the best game shots. He did not play football, because lie was hurt in his schooldays, lie looks forward to participating i n Ihe delights of surfing. He has driven his own motor car ever since motor ears existed. He lias occasionally visited Switzerland for winter sports, and therefore is anxious to see Mount Kosciusko. He is interested in modern farming methods and possesses country properties in Kent and Hampshire.

Lord Forster is not so keenly interin racing as in sports calling for physical prowess. He has never owned a racehorse, but attends Ascot, and looks forward to the wonderful spectacle of the Melbourne Cup. He took *an honors degree in law at Oxford, and was civil member of the Claims Commission stationed at general headquarters in France during war time, until the Coalition Government was' formed, when he was appointed financial secretary to the War Office. Ho was primarily concerned in the purchase of the first Australian wool clip. His only two sons were killed in the war—the elder, an infantry man, in the first battle of the Aisnc, in 1914; the younger, with the Scots Greys, when the cavalry was advancing on Le Cateau in October, 191S, where the Australians fought their last battle. Lord Forster said his wife had never been in the same health since the shock of her sons' death. He also has two married daughters, each with two children. One was widowed, the other was married to Captain Pitt Eivers. He hoped that both daughters and their families would visit Australia during his term of office. He believed he was connected with Adam Lindsay Gordon's family, into which an aunt married. He would take an opportunity of investigating the relationship. Lady Forster was keenly interested in music, art, and social questions, and in the women's physical movement. She actively assisted soldiers' wives and poor families in South London, and latterly superintended the convalescent homo for poor London mothers near the Crystal Palace, to which Lord Forster presented an old-fashioned house with large grounds. Lord Forster will depart for Australia in August. His route is not decided. He expects to reach Australia in time for the test match. He hopes to meet Mr. Watt" in the next few days. Lord Jellicoe and Lord Forster will confer to-morrow.