NEW ZEALAND LEFT OUT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 3, 5 January 1928, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND LEFT OUT.

LORD MAYORS PROCESSION.

In the Lord Mayor's urooession in London on November !) there was a conspicuous carriage drawn by horses on which was placed a tableau depicting Captain Cooks voyage in the Endeavour as relating to the "discovery of Australia." Many New Zealanders, including the High Commissioner, who saw the procession, we>e rather surprised to learn that Captain Cook discovered Australia, and that NewZealand 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 out that Captain Cooks connection with New Zealand was much more intimate and of gTcater 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 (he details of particular items had necessarily to be left to those immediately conerned. Sir James Parr accepted the explanation, but suggested that in future the authorities, when planning the procession, should pay some regard to historical accuracy and perspective, so that the feelings of overseas visitors might not be hurt.