"NOW IS THE HOUR...."

When Sir Bernard Fergusson arrived in New Zealand, it was generally conceded among New Zealanders that he was deserving of some sympathy, in that he was assuming the duties of Lord Gobham, a man New Zealanders came to admire and greatly respect. But Sir Bernard did not ask for sympathy, and after a very short time it became very obvious that he didn't need it and didn't get it. With his knowledge of the Maori race, and its language, acquired during the term his father was Governor General here, he quickly endeared himself to the Maori people and the pakehas were equally swift in their appraisal of him as "a pretty good bloke" - high praise indeed. He impressed with his easy manner and downto-earth thinking and his willingness to cooperate in many ways. As our Mayor (Mr Strawbrldge) said in his farewell speech, Sir Bernard didn't try to be a Lord Cobham, or any other Governor General we have had here. He was Sir Bernard Fergusson and as Sir Bernard, he made his own impression.

With his term of office nearly up, Sir Bernard and Lady Fergusson, with their son Geordle, paid a last visit to Nelson recently. It was a short but busy visit for the Vice-Regal party, during which opportunity was taken to bid them a public farewell.

The Vice-Regal party.arrives at Nelson airport to be greeted by a big crowd and bright sunshine ("When I was here last we had five inches of rain," Sir Bernard quipped).

The official party at the Church Steps during the civic farewell as Sir Bernard was replying to the farewell speeches

The scene at the Church Steps. A disappointingly small crowd of adults was augmented by pupils from the Nelson College for Girls, without Whose presence the Church Steps would have looked extremely bare.

Sir Bernard, monocle fixed firmly in place, says "goodbye".

Lady Fergusson was no less charming and young Geordie (below right) seemed to enjoy the visit.

Old soldiers meet another old soldier, a distinguished one. Sir Bernard spoke to and shook hands with R.S.A. men on parade at the function.

"I'm not late," Sir Bernard tells the crowd gathered outside the Hotel Nelson as he leaves for the civic farewell.

R.S.A. president, Mr Les McIvor, meets His Excellency.

"Hold on a minute, Mr Mayor. Another photographer."

"How's this pose?"

On his way back to the hotel Sir Bernard made new friends

At a luncheon given by the National Council of Women, Lady Fergusson is served by Mrs E. Burridge

At the same time, Sir Bernard was guest of honour at a luncheon given by the City Luncheon Club in the Celtic gymnasium

Saying goodbye

"Now then, where does he go next?"

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The Nelson Photo News

No 80 : June 24, 1967

"NOW IS THE HOUR...."