QUEEN’S N.Z. VISIT

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27201, 19 November 1953, Page 11

QUEEN’S N.Z. VISIT

Article By Mr Holland

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 18. Speaking of the “supreme importance” of the visit to New Zealand of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) in an article in “The Times” Royal tour supplement says the people of the Dominion have always had a particular sense of loyalty to the Throne, and have always received members of the Royal Family “with spontaneous and unaffected rejoicing.” He says: “The Crown is the dominant and focal point of our British Commonwealth group, and the symbol of its association. The ideals which the Crown embodies—dignity, peace, national autonomy, the rule of law, the growth of democratic institutions —and the human qualities which it epitomises—more purpose and devotion to family—command and deserve our respect. “There is no doubt or hesitation about our allegiance; indeed it is scarcely within my power to convey the deep sense of loyalty which is felt in New Zealand for Her Majesty, and the happiness with which we are looking forward to her visit.” Mr Holland’s article leads a section devoted to New Zealand in a special tour supplement. Lord Freyberg contributes an article On New Zealanders at war. Professor N. C. Phillips, of the Canterbury University College, discusses the Dominion’s rapid growth, the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr J. T. Watts) reviews New Zealand industry, and Archbishop Owen writes about the Dominion’s new cathedral.

A quarter-page announcement under the Dominion coat-of-arms says: “The Government and people of New Zealand proudly welcome Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh to their shores. “This first visit by a reigning sovereign finds New Zealand prosperous and contented, her people united in loyalty to the Throne and to the ideals of the British Commonwealth of Nations.” Support for Empire Talks Mr Holland’s article goes on to discuss New Zealand’j constant support of intra-Commonwealth consultation. “We feel the opportunity for a full, frank exchange of views provided by the Commonwealth Ministerial meetings which have since the war become a regular feature of the Commonwealth association is one of immeasurable value. “We feel, too, that the solidarity of the Commonwealth is for us an assurance against aggression. “If by reason of our geographic position we have a particular interest in Pacific problems, we are none the less aware that our own security depends on close co-operation with other members of the Commonwealth. “For us in New Zealand, one of the outstanding events of the Queen’s visit will be when Her Majesty opens our Parliament. In this ceremony, so full of significance for all our people, Her Majesty will be exercising in person her Constitutional authority as Queen of New Zealand. *This is an occasion for a ceremony such as we have never known before, and it will also contribute to inspiring development within the Commonwealth—an increasingly close relationship between the Throne and its realms overseas. “In many parts of the Commonwealth, and especially in New Zealand, we now have the situation that, having grown to maturity and a position of equal partnership, we feel instinctively a desire not to dispel those intangible bonds which join us to the Crown, but on the contrary to associate ourselves ever more closely with it. ‘Tor these reasons, the visit of Her Majesty to New Zealand holds special significance, and is awaited with a growing feeling of loyalty and affec-

MASTER OF QUEEN’S MUSICK

(Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, November 17. Sir Arthur Bliss, one of Britain s most distinguished composers, has been appointed Master of the Queen’s Musick in succession to the late Sir Arnold Bax, the London Gazette has announced. , . * ..The Q ueen’s entry into Westminster Abbey for the Coronation was made to a new work by Bliss.