Governor-General'S First Official Visit To Nelson

The first official visit to Nelson province of the Governor General, Sir Bernard Fergus-son, and Lady Fergusson, was a very crowded one, but in the few short hours in which they were in the province they made a great many friends, particularly among the children. The Vice-Regal party were tendered civic receptions at Nelson, Richmond and Motueka, and these official functions – so often dry and long-winded affairs – were notable for the life that was put into them through the informal and easy manner with which their Excellencies approached them. Both endeared themselves to thousands of school children, not only because Sir Bernard promised them a holiday to mark his visit, but because of the pains they both took to approach the children. In their drives to Motueka and from Nelson to Blenheim, Their Excellencies left their car every time they saw a crowd of school children waiting to greet them on the roadside. This was repeated in Nelson immediately after the civic reception, when the car was stopped as it left Nelson College so that the Vice-Regal party could walk among the children of the Hampden Street School, lined up on the footpath. Informal functions included visits to the hospital, the R. S. A. (for Sir Bernard), a civic dinner, a morning coffee break, and for Lady Fergusson, a cocktail party.

This was the first official visit. It is to be hoped that both will later be able to return to Nelson unofficially, perhaps on holiday.

On this page, Sir Bernard waves a cheery "hello" to Nelson as he arrives at Nelson airport.

With infinite care the Vice-Regal car is unloaded from a freighter.

Their Excellencies are piped into the grounds of Waimea College by Alistair Fox and Barbara Miller for their first official engagement.

Sir Bernard, accompanied by Major B. S. Buckton, C. O. of the cadet unit, casts a critical eye over the guard of honour at Waimea College.

A view of the front lawn at Waimea College crowded with children for the civic reception tendered Their Excellencies

Sir Bernard Meeta Dr. F. E. Gallas

At morning coffee Sir Bernard chats with Mrs and Mr Jim Glasgow

One little lady, four-year-old Barbara Horne, didn't feel like meeting; our distinguished visitor but later made amends by presenting Lady Fergusson with a bouquet and a smile.

With Captain C. B. Newenham in attendance, Sir Bernard inspects the guard of honour at Nelson College

Sword trouble, speedily remedied by His Excellency's Aide, Capt T. C. Usher

The packed assembly hall at Nelson College for the civic reception (heavy rain in the morning had forced the abandonment of an outdoor reception).

When he left the platform and walked among the children Sir Bernard speedily made friends with this youngster.

Mayor Doug Strawbridge hands to His Excellency the city's address of loyalty and welcome

The Hampden Street school-children had the unexpected thrill of seeing Sir Bernard at close quarters

The official party at Nelson's civic reception

Little Vicki Benjamin presents Lady Fergusson with a bouquet when she visited the children's ward of the hospital.

Mrs Linda Wong and her new baby boy were greeted by Her Excellency

The Nelson R.S.A.'s oldest member, Bob Batchelor, has a word to Sir Bernard at the club rooms.

Led by Jimmy Willox and Pipe Major Jock Spence His Excellency is piped into the R.S.A. club

Miss J. Watson welcomes the Governor-General to a laboratory in the Cawthron Institute as the director, Dr C. R. Barnicoat looks on.

A guard of honour of nurses awaited His Excellency at the hospital

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The Nelson Photo News

No 36 : October 12, 1963

Governor-General'S First Official Visit To Nelson