MR DUFF COOPER

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23494, 24 November 1941, Page 4

MR DUFF COOPER

Visit to Christchurch The visit to Christchurch of the Rt, Hon. A. Duff Cooper, British Minister on a special mission to the Far East, almost failed to take place on Saturday. Heavy weather, when the aeroplane in which his party was travelling from Auckland was over the South Island, caused the pilot to consider whether he should not turn back. The journey was continued, however, and, unknown to the British Cabinet Minister, a bomber from Wigram escorted the passenger aeroplane over the last stages of its Journey safely to the Air Force Station. The arrival was scheduled for 12.15 p.m., but because of a late start from Auckland and a slower trip than usual because of the weather, Wigram was not reached until 2.15 p.m. The purpose of Mr Duff Cooper’s "flying” visit to Christchurch was to confer with the GovernorGeneral (Sir Cyril Newall), with whom he also had a luncheon appointment. No welcoming ceremony was held at Wigram. Mr Duff Cooper and Lady Diana Duff Cooper were met informally by Wing Commander H. Bevan, military secretary to his Excellency, and Group Captain G. S. Hodson, officer commanding - the Wigram Station, and were hurried to “Daresbury” for a belated luncheon. On Saturday night Mr Duff Cooper was given a civic reception at the Civic Theatre, in which few seats were vacant. In his welcome the Mayor (Mr •E. H. Andrews) expressed the loyalty of the people of New Zealand to the King and the Empire and their confidence in the leadership of Mr Churchill, Mr P. S. Foster (Empire Society) and Major T. M. Charters (Navy League) were associated with the Mayor. A desire was expressed by Lady Diana Duff Cooper that whife she was in Christchurch she should be able to visit the military hospitals, but the authorities did not consider such a visit yesterday wise, because of the prevalence recently of mumps and measles. Mr Duff Cooper and Lady Diana Duff Cooper, who are accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel L. B. Robertson, will leave Christchurch by air at 8.45 a.m. to-day, and they will be the guests at a State luncheon in Wellington.