NEW ZEALAND OUT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 79, 13 January 1928, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND OUT.

LORD MAYOR’S PROCESSION. In the Lord Mayor’s procession in London on November 9, there was a conspicuous carriage drawn by horses on which was placed a tableau depicting Captain Cook’s voyage in the Endeavour as relating to the “discovery of Australia.” Many New Zealanders, including the High Commissioner, who saw the procession, were rather surprised to learn that Captain Cook discovered Australia, and that New Zealand was not, apparently, considered of sufficient importance to be included in the great navigator’s discoveries. Sir James Parr took the matter up with the Lord Mayor’s office, pointing cut that Captain. Cook’s connection with New Zealand was much more intimate and of greater historical interest than his survey of a portion of the eastern coast of Australia, including the discovery of Botany Bay and Sydney Harbour, and expressing regret that in an important procession of the kind New Zealand’s name had been omitted.

The reply received was to the effect that a well-known shipping company trading between London and Australia was responsible for the exhibit, and that it was regretted that owing to the shortness of time available for preparations the details of particular items had necessarily to b© left to those immediately concerned. Sir James Parr accepted the explanation, but suggested that in future the authorities, when planning the procession, shorn Id pay some regard to historical accuracy and perspective, so that the feelings of overseas visitors might not be hurt.