GUBERNATORIAL VISIT DESIRED.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3419, 10 January 1912, Page 5

GUBERNATORIAL VISIT DESIRED.

INVITATION TO HIS EXCELLENCY. TO COME TO GISBORNE. A deputation, consisting of Dr. J. W. Williams and Messrs V. Barker and E. G. Matthews, representing the vestry of Holy Trinity Church, waited upon the Borough Council at its meeting last .night. Dr. Williams acted as spokesman, and explained that a new Anglican Church was being erected and they thought it very desirable that the foundation stone should be laid if possible by His Excellency the Governor. They did not suggest for a moment that the icernor would come to Poverty Bay .-Aciy fn lay the foundation stone of the new church; but as His Excellence- lacl never previously visited the district, they thought that the civic authorities might invite him to. do so, and in the event of his accepting, he could perform the service they were so desirous of his doing. There were other :m----portant public ceremonies which the Governor might be asked to perform while here, such as opening the Otoko viaduct and laying the foundation stone -of the new hospital. They were of opinion that everyone would be pleased- if the Council were to extend an invitation to the Governor to visit this portion of His Majesty's Dominion. The Mayor said while they would like to comply with the request of the deputation, he did not see there was at present any occasion which would justify them in issuing an invitation to visit the district at present. Cr. Bright; Except the band contest. Cr. Bright said no special occasion was required to extend an invitation to the representative of the King to visit any portion of His Majesty’s dominions. Tlie present Governor had not yet visited this district, and if they asked him why he had not done so lie might- reply, ■Because you have never asked me.’ Cr. Darton favored that the invitation should be extended to His Excellency, and moved that the Town Clerk he instructed to write _to the Hon. Sir James Carroll requesting him to issue tlie invitation to the Governor. Cr. Wildish seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Cr. Wade agreed that an invitation should he extended to the Governor to visit the district. Perhaps they could take advantage of His Excellency’s presence to turn on the electric light. A Councillor; That might give His ■ Excellency a shock. Dr. Williams then thanked the Council for so favorably receiving their request, and the deputation withdrew.