N.Z. DEBT TO BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27047, 23 May 1953, Page 6

N.Z. DEBT TO BRITAIN

PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE

“PROUD TO BE MEMBER OF EMPIRE” (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 7.30 p.m. LONDON, May 22. The New Zealand Prime Minister (Mr Holland) has contributed a Coronation message to the “Daily Mail, which the newspaper has published on its main leader page headed “Young Nation’s Premier tells the Ola World: ‘Out here we like the word Empire.’ ” “As a young nation, we in New Zealand owe much to the old world, but there is one debt we freely and proudly acknowledge above all’’ says the Prime Minister. “That is our debt to Britain, our mother country, who in every sense of the word gave us birthf, and as a wise parent led us along the path to nationhood. New Zealand is proud to be a member of the British Empire. We like the word Empire out here. “We think Britain has been the greatest influence for good the world has ever known. She still has a great contribution to make. “We take justifiable pride in many achievements in the social, political, industrial and scientific fields; but we are proudest of all of that which was no achievement of our own but a precious heritage—our British foundation and tradition. Mr Holland points out that this year more New Zealanders than ever before are visiting Britain. “It is not only our successful farmers and commercial leaders who are making the trip.” he says. “There are younger people from shops, factories and offices who have husbanded every penny in the past year or two so that they will be able to afford this visit. But whoever they are, they have all been drawn to Britain in Coronation year by common ties of allegiance ana sentiment. They come to the heart of the Empire to share in the writing of yet another glorious page in our long history. _ ± t “We are extremely fortunate in New Zealand that our people will have an opportunity at the close of the year to' show their affection and loyalty to the Crown when the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visit our country. I have never seen anything to equal the wave of rejoicing and enthusiasm which swept the country when the news was first announced. “In New Zealand, our pride in Britain and her past contributions to the world is matched by our faith m Britain’s future and the part she will play in the world of tomorrow. Whatever successes and adversities may lie ahead, Britain always will be able to depend on the friendship and support of New Zealand.