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Story: Governors and governors-general

Lord Jellicoe laying a foundation stone

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Lord Jellicoe laying a foundation stone

In 1882 Governor Sir Arthur Gordon complained about ‘laying first stones of public buildings – making little speeches – opening Athenaeums’. His successors, such as Lord Jellicoe, seen here laying the foundation stone for Christchurch’s Bridge of Remembrance in 1923, accepted such duties as an important part of the job. War memorials kept Jellicoe very busy. During one tour, in just four days, he unveiled memorials at Pātea, Manaia, Auroa and Bell Block, and laid the foundation stone for another at Ōpunake.

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Reference: PhotoCD 15, IMG0013

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How to cite this page

Gavin McLean, Governors and governors-general – Ceremonial duties, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/33651/lord-jellicoe-laying-a-foundation-stone (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Gavin McLean, published 30 January 2012.