The Governor-General On The East Coast

The few days that the Governor-General, Sir Bernard Ferguason, and Lady Fergusaon spent on the East Coast in an unofficial capacity turned into a succession of memorable occasions for Coast residents. Sir Bernard's ability to speak in fluent Maori, his talent for easy acquaintanceship, and his obviously sincere interest in Coast people and problems, endeared him to all he met.

In many cases he was returning to places he had visited as a boy with his father, the then Governor-General, in the 'twenties.

During a brief visit to Te Puia hospital, Sir Bernard greets Mrs Ngaropi White with a traditional hongl. He enjoyed a conversation in Maori with Mrs White, who is 75 years of age and belongs to one of the oldest East Coast families of the Ngatiporou tribe, (photo, Lloyd Cornish).

At Wai-o-matatini, the Governor-General invested Mr Pahau Milner with the O.B.E. (Photo, Lloyd Cornish).

Mrs Hiria Ahuriri, aged 90 years, after her presentation to the Governor-General at Te Araroa. (Photo, Capt. Medland).

At Te Pula Hospital, the medical superintendent, Dr. G. A. de Lautour, shows Sir Bernard a photograph taken during his visit 37 years ago. (Photo, Lloyd Cornish)